Over 3000 minor children were victimized last year (2022) by online predators who, using fake identities, persuaded some of them to share intimate visuals or personal information. The ‘sextortionist’ threatened exposure if the concerned teen could not meet their financial demands. More than a dozen suicides were reported by FBI in this connection.
The crime pattern is not new, but now the target is CHILDREN. Children, who make online friends easily, are ready to share their feelings and emotions,are inclined to take risks and make impulsive moves. They are ridiculously vulnerable. As adults, everyone has a responsibility to inform, educate, and as parents, even monitor. The risk is too real and dire.
It’s important to understand the modus operandi of most sextortionists. Quoting from an ongoing trial: “the defendants bought hacked social media accounts and used the accounts to pose as young women to lure teenage and young adult males into sexual chats. One of the accounts used was an Instagram account bearing the user name “dani.robertts,” which communicated with Jordan DeMay shortly before his death. After initiating chat conversations with the victims, the defendants simultaneously used Google and other online applications to research information about the victims, including where the victims lived, where they went to school or worked, and who their family and friends were.”
The FBI and other state agencies are giving this problem all they have.
Seems unbelievable but it’s true. PLEASE READ about sextortion.
https://www.ice.gov/features/sextortion
What should you do?
https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/sextortion
Online images can possibly be deleted
A confidential service by National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/
BE THERE TO GIVE SUPPORT. CONTACT THE RIGHT AUTHORITIES.
The stories of kids like Brandon-Guffey and Jordan DeMay should never be repeated. The parents had no idea about their child’s trauma or the tragedy about to happen. It’s important for children to realize that, WHATEVER HAPPENS, YOU ARE THERE.
Help is available to deal with the predators. Contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.
MORE
Understanding sextortion.
https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/newss-what-is-sextortion/view
Guidance from FBI
https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/stop-sextortion-youth-face-risk-online-090319
