Stranger Danger for the 21st Century

Sextortion

Sextortion is a crime that involves adults coercing kids and teens into sending explicit images online.

It usually starts with a predator reaching out to kids through social media, gaming, or dating apps. Sometimes, they use social media accounts that are faked or stolen from other victims, to pose as a peer, and start an innocent seeming conversation. Sometimes, the predator offers something the child wants, like a modeling contract, game codes or credits, or gift cards in exchange for a quick pic. Sometimes they start right in with threats. Whatever tactic is employed, the predator's end goal is for the child to send them sexually explict photos or videos.

But the predators don't stop once they've achieved that goal.  They then use those photos to continue to blackmail kids into sending more explicit images.  Although the abuse is usually not physical, the emotional and psychological damage it creates is absolutely brutal.

Adults can fall victim to similar ploys as well, however young teens are targeted more often - as they are generally less jaded and more trusting and uninhibited online, and their decision-making abilities aren't fully formed yet.

 How can I protect the young people in my life?

According to the FBI:

"Information-sharing and open lines of communication are the best defense. Young people need to know this crime is happening and understand where the risks are hiding. Explain to the children in your life that people can pretend to be anyone or anything online, a stranger reaching out to them online may be doing so with bad intent, and no matter what the platform or application claims, nothing “disappears” online. If they take a photo or video, it always has the potential to become public."

The FBI has many resources (linked below) for kids and caregivers about how sextortion happens, with tips on how to talk about it, how to stop it, and what to do if they are approached.

FBI: Sextortion Overview

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion

One girl's story highlights the growing trend of sextortion

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/sextortion-case-highlights-growing-online-crime-111020

FBI sextortion awareness campaign with resources for youth, schools, and caregivers

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/stop-sextortion-youth-face-risk-online-090319