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Protecting Teens from Financial Sextortion - What You Need to Know


In today's digital age, social media platforms offer incredible opportunities for connection and communication. However, they also pose significant risks, especially for teenagers. A recent NBC report highlights a troubling trend: financial sextortion targeting teen boys, primarily via Instagram. This alarming issue requires immediate attention and proactive measures from both parents, educators and teens to safeguard against these cyber crimes.



Understanding Financial Sextortion

Financial sextortion is a form of exploitation where perpetrators threaten to share someone’s explicit images unless they are paid a ransom. This crime often begins with "catfishing," where offenders pose as peers to gain the trust of their victims, convincing them to share intimate images. Once the images are in their possession, the perpetrators use them as leverage to extort money from the victims.

According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Thorn, teenage boys aged 14 to 17 are the primary targets, with Instagram being the most frequently used platform. The rise of financial sextortion is linked to organized crime networks, and the incidents have escalated dramatically, with more than 600 reports per week in the past year.


How to Protect Your Teen from Financial Sextortion

Foster Open Communication: Encourage open and honest discussions about online activities. Make sure your teen feels comfortable coming to you with any concerns or suspicious interactions. Educate them about the dangers of sharing personal information and images online, emphasizing that once something is shared, it can be impossible to fully retract.

Strengthen Privacy Settings: Review and adjust privacy settings on all social media accounts. Ensure that personal information is only visible to trusted friends and family. On Instagram, set the account to private to limit who can see their posts and stories. Teach your teen to be cautious about accepting friend requests from people they do not know personally.

Recognize and Avoid Catfishing: Discuss the tactics of catfishers and the importance of verifying identities before engaging in online conversations. Encourage skepticism towards unsolicited messages from strangers. Remind them that legitimate friends will never pressure them to share personal or explicit images.

Be Aware of Deepfakes: Explain the concept of deepfakes and how they can be used maliciously. Encourage your teen to report any suspicious or manipulated images immediately.



Report Suspicious Behavior: Teach your teen how to report inappropriate behavior or threats on social media platforms. Instagram, Snapchat, and other platforms have mechanisms to report and block users who engage in sextortion. Encourage them to come forward if they ever feel threatened or blackmailed. Ensure them that it is never their fault and they will receive your full support.

Utilize Available Resources: Familiarize yourself and your teen with resources provided by organizations like NCMEC and Thorn. These organizations offer tools and support for victims of sextortion. Use educational materials and apps that teach teens about the risks of online interactions and how to protect themselves.

Monitor Online Activity: While respecting your teen’s privacy, periodically check their social media interactions. Use parental control software to monitor activity without being intrusive. Encourage healthy and balanced use of social media, promoting offline activities and real-life interactions.


Taking Action Against Sextortion

Both Instagram and Snapchat have implemented measures to combat sextortion, including additional safeguards for teens and educational resources to recognize and report these crimes. However, it is crucial for parents and teens to remain vigilant and proactive.

By fostering open communication, educating about the risks, and utilizing privacy settings and resources, we can create a safer online environment for our teens. Remember, the key to prevention is awareness and action. Let's work together to protect our children from the devastating impact of financial sextortion.

For further information and support, visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Thorn's websites. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and empower your teen to navigate the digital world safely.

Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate
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