The FBI is warning Americans of a growing threat called sextortion, where online predators pose as young, single individuals to lure their victims, primarily single teenage boys, into a blackmail trap. After soliciting sexual photos or videos of the victim, the predator threatens to release the images or videos unless the victim sends money and/or banking information to the offender. Often, the predator then continues to demand more and more payments over time, using the explicit material as leverage against the victim. It is worth noting that sextortion can happen to anyone and that adults, too, should be aware of the signs and risks.
Watch the above video as Straight Arrow News contributor Adrienne Lawrence explains the key warning signs to watch out for in online interactions and how to talk to kids about the risks posed by these online criminals.
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The following is an excerpt of the above video:
Just as they were taught to look both ways before crossing the street and taught not to talk to strangers, if your kid is going to operate online, they need to know what to look for, and also how to operate in the aftermath: Collecting evidence by saving a record, recording the sextortion, cutting off contact, not paying a dime, telling you there is a problem, and then contacting the proper authorities. It’s essential that our children know that they can come to us and that we will protect them from the predators.
Because bullying is rampant, as is shaming young people with the threat of exposing their nude bodies, cyber criminals will not cease. That’s why the lines of communication between parent and child should forever remain free-flowing. Now, we’re fortunate to have an administration where the FBI is making sextortion of young people a priority. While they do their best to protect our youth, we must have the hard conversations that enlighten, educate and inform our kids. Our children deserve to be better prepared for the world around them so that they will have an opportunity to grow up and to make that world a better place.