honeytraps
Espionage through romance
Honeytraps are schemes that use romantic or sexual attraction to compromise a target—extracting secrets, creating blackmail material, or manipulating behavior.
The term comes from espionage, where agents seduce targets to gain intelligence: The spy was caught in a honeytrap.
It now applies more broadly to any seduction designed to expose or entrap: She suspected the flirtatious stranger was a honeytrap set up by her husband.
Enticing someone romantically
- agentOne who acts independently
- spyCovert information gatherer
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
- targetObject of pursuit
compromise · blackmail · extraction · operative · recruitment · handler · asset · counterintelligence
False target for misdirection
- baitLure for prey
- lureThing that tempts
- setupHow something is arranged
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
prostitution · police · investigation · enticement · arrest · evidence · recording · hidden camera
Barbeled freshwater bottom-feeder
- scamDishonest money-making scheme
- datingPursuing romantic connections
- profileSide-facing outline
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
phishing · romance · victim · cryptocurrency · extortion · sextortion · fake · identity
Disgraceful public affair
- kompromatDamaging information for leverage
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- diplomatOfficial foreign representative
- politicianElected government official
affair · resignation · exposure · tabloid · career destruction · cover-up · allegation · reputation
seduction
Enticing someone romantically
- agentOne who acts independently
- spyCovert information gatherer
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
target · compromise · blackmail · extraction · operative · recruitment · handler · asset · counterintelligence · entrapment
decoy
False target for misdirection
undercover · prostitution · police · investigation · enticement · arrest · evidence · recording · hidden camera · informant
catfish
Barbeled freshwater bottom-feeder
fraud · phishing · romance · victim · cryptocurrency · extortion · sextortion · fake · identity · social media
scandal
Disgraceful public affair
- kompromatDamaging information for leverage
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- diplomatOfficial foreign representative
politician · affair · resignation · exposure · tabloid · career destruction · cover-up · allegation · reputation · media
honeytrapsenhanced interrogation
Euphemism for abusive questioning
torture · waterboarding · rendition · strong-arm tactics · duress
honeytrapsintimidation
Deliberate fear-inducing pressure
blackmail · threats · coercion · extortion · physical force