Key points
- The FTC alleges the firm collected at least $60 million from people seeking help with intimate-image blackmail.
- A federal court has temporarily halted the company’s activities while the complaint proceeds.
- The firm allegedly fabricated evidence and reused location data instead of providing real forensic support.
The Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint accusing Digital Forensics Corporation of exploiting victims of sextortion scams. According to the agency, the firm and its owner Dmitry Belkin misled desperate individuals into paying for assistance that was never delivered.
The FTC alleges the company collected at least $60 million between February 2023 and July 2026. Victims paid between $1,499 and $20,000 for Phase 1 services, which promised to track criminals and notify law enforcement. A federal court has temporarily halted the defendants’ business activities while the case moves forward.
Deceptive practices and fabricated results
Digital Forensics Corporation allegedly used advertisements on Google, YouTube and X to target victims searching for help. The firm claimed it could identify perpetrators worldwide and provide evidence for arrests. In reality, the company changed account settings to block communications and presented pre-saved coordinates, often in Nigeria or the Philippines, as the attacker’s location.
Who is affected
The complaint states the firm targeted people facing threats to share intimate images. Staff allegedly used scripted calls to heighten fear, warning military victims of dishonorable discharge and married victims of exposure to in-laws. The FTC says the company discouraged victims from blocking blackmailers, contrary to expert advice, and pressured them to buy additional Phase 2 monitoring services.
What happens next
The legal proceedings against Digital Forensics Corporation and its affiliates are ongoing. The FTC urges those who believe they were misled to preserve contracts and receipts. Victims can report their experiences to the FTC through ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The court’s temporary halt on business activities remains in effect until a decision is reached.
Why this attack works
This scheme exploits the acute psychological distress of victims facing reputational harm. Attackers position themselves as saviours, preying on panic to bypass rational decision-making. By fabricating technical evidence, they create an illusion of progress. Security teams should recognise that legitimate forensic services do not pressure immediate payment or discourage standard blocking procedures. Trust is manipulated through false authority.
What to do and how to stay safe: Digital Forensics Corporation
- Preserve all threat messages and account details without deleting them, as they serve as evidence for legitimate investigators.
- Stop all communication with the blackmailer and block them using platform safety tools; do not pay demands.
- Report the crime to local police or relevant national agencies, such as the FBI in the US or the CyberTipline for minors.
- If you suspect a recovery service is fraudulent, keep all receipts and ads, and report the experience to consumer protection authorities.
Step-by-step guide: Security Awareness Training: How Human Behaviour Shapes Defence
General security guidance from the Payload Report newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How much money did the FTC say the firm collected?
The FTC alleges the company collected at least $60 million from victims seeking help with sextortion.
What services did the firm claim to provide?
The firm claimed to track criminals, identify perpetrators, provide investigative reports and notify law enforcement.
Is the company still operating?
A federal court has temporarily halted the defendants’ activities while the legal case proceeds.
