What happened
A coroner found that a 41-year-old Auckland man took his own life in 2024 after being blackmailed by scammers. He had sent intimate images to what he believed was a woman, but the person was AI-generated, and the criminals used the images to extort money from him. He paid them. Coroner Janet Anderson called his death a senseless loss and stressed that people being targeted need to know help is available. Netsafe has reported sharp rises in sextortion and AI-generated image abuse since 2023.
If this is happening to you
You are not to blame, and help is available. Don’t send more images or money. Keep screenshots, block the person, and contact Netsafe (text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282 or email help@netsafe.org.nz) or Police on 105. If you’re struggling, call or text 1737 any time to talk to a trained counsellor. In an emergency, call 111.