This study explores the ambiguous role of Iraqi newspapers in educating the Iraqi community about the phenomenon of electronic extortion, which has emerged as a significant threat to society following the advent of new communication technologies. The study aims to determine the extent of public awareness and engagement with Iraqi newspapers that address the dangers of electronic extortion. Additionally, it seeks to unveil the role these newspapers play in educating the Iraqi public about the risks associated with electronic extortion through published content and to monitor mechanisms for preventing and reducing the spread of this phenomenon among community members. The study sample consisted of male and female residents of Baghdad aged 18 and older who read specific Iraqi newspapers. The sample was selected using a multi-stage random sampling method, and the study tool employed was a survey questionnaire, intentionally distributed to 150 participants. Results indicated that most of the sample consistently read the selected newspapers daily, with no preferred time for reading. The news article emerged as the most favoured journalistic style for accessing information on electronic extortion. It was found that most participants were aware of electronic extortion as a crime and followed related topics published in the Iraqi newspapers. The majority assessed the level of journalistic coverage of electronic extortion issues in the selected newspapers as ‘good.’ Furthermore, suicide was noted as one of the most significant consequences of the proliferation of electronic extortion. The participants also recognized that the strict enforcement of laws against electronic extortionists should be a primary focus of prevention and deterrence strategies highlighted by the newspapers.