MAHMOUD BENNETT: ONLINE BLACKMAIL, IT’S NOT A NEW CONCEPT.

BUT NOW THE FBI IS SOUNDING THE ALARM ABOUT A NEW KIND OF SCHEME – SEXTORTION.

IT’S A CRIME THAT’S ON THE RISE WHERE ADULTS TARGET TEEN CHILDREN, lately IN PARTICULAR – YOUNG BOYS. 

SPENCER EVANS: “It’s worked for young females. Why not go to another group? You’re disenfranchising half of your victim population by not targeting them as well,” 

BENNETT: CRIMINALS POSE AS KIDS AND LURE IN OTHER KIDS THROUGH ONLINE GAMING PLATFORMS OR SOCIAL MEDIA.

BEFORE MANIPULATING THEM TO APPEAR EXPLICITLY ON CAMERA AND THREATENING TO RELEASE RECORDINGS  IF THE VICTIMS DON’T PAY UP.

LAST YEAR THE FBI RECEIVED MORE THAN 18-THOUSAND SEXTORTION COMPLAINTS.

OFFICIALS SAY THE ACTUAL NUMBER IS HIGHER AS VICTIMS ARE OFTEN ASHAMED TO COME FORWARD. SOME – EVEN TAKE THEIR OWN LIVES.
THE FBI’S ADVICE – DON’T FEEL ASHAMED IF YOU’RE A VICTIM – TELL AN ADULT.