An Overview of How Sextortion Scams Work

Sextortion scams typically involve a predator coercing an individual into providing explicit images or videos under false pretenses, often threatening to share these materials with others if the victim does not comply with further demands. These scams can be initiated through social media, dating apps, or even online gaming platforms. Here's a typical sequence of events in a sextortion scam:

1. Initial Contact: The scammer will contact the victim through social media platforms, gaming chats, or other online avenues. They often present themselves as a potential romantic partner, friend, or someone who shares similar interests to build rapport.
2. Grooming and Manipulation: After establishing trust, the scammer manipulates the victim into sharing explicit images or videos. They may pretend to have an interest in the victim's life or create a fake friendship or relationship to appear genuine.
3. Coercion: Once the scammer has acquired explicit content, they begin to make threats. They claim they will share the images or videos with the victim's friends, family, or the public unless the victim pays a certain amount of money or continues to send more explicit material.
4. Escalation: If the victim initially complies, the scammer may escalate the demands, pushing for larger sums of money or even more graphic content. The threat of exposure grows, and victims often feel trapped in the situation.
5. Blackmail or Extortion: The scammer may demand continued compliance or money, using the victim's fear of exposure to maintain control. The victim’s fear and shame make it difficult for them to come forward or seek help.

Discussing Sextortion Scams with Minors

Discussing sextortion with minors is a sensitive but important conversation to help them understand the dangers of online interactions. Here are key strategies for approaching the discussion:

1. Create an Open, Non-judgmental Environment: Let the minor know that they can talk openly without fear of judgment or punishment. This helps to build trust and allows them to share their experiences or concerns freely.

2. Ask Questions to Open Dialogue:

• “Have you ever been contacted online by someone you don’t know?”
• “What do you do if someone asks you to send pictures or videos of yourself online?”
• “Do you know what to do if someone online threatens to share something personal or embarrassing?”
• “Have you ever heard of someone being blackmailed or threatened online?”
• “What do you think would happen if someone tried to take advantage of you or ask for money or more pictures?”
• These types of questions encourage them to think critically about their online behavior and awareness.

3. Key Words to Use During the Conversation:

• “Consent”: Emphasize that they should only share content they’re comfortable with, and it’s important to get consent from themselves and others in any digital interaction.
• “Boundaries”: Teach them about setting boundaries in online communication, including not sharing personal photos or information.
• “Safety”: Reinforce that their safety is the most important thing and they should never feel pressured to do something they’re uncomfortable with.
• “Threats”: Explain what it means to be threatened online and what actions should be taken if someone tries to use threats for manipulation.
• “Reporting”: Stress that if they encounter any problematic situation, they should report it immediately to a trusted adult, platform administrators, or even law enforcement.

4. Reassure and Educate:

• “You are never to blame if someone tries to manipulate you online.”
• “If someone is threatening to expose something private, it’s important to tell someone right away. The sooner you tell someone, the sooner we can stop it.”
• “There are people who can help. You should always come to me if anything makes you uncomfortable.”

5. Role-Playing Scenarios:

• You could set up hypothetical scenarios to help them practice identifying risky situations. For example, “What would you do if a stranger asks you for a photo of yourself?” or “If someone says they will share a photo unless you send them money, what would you do?”

6. Follow-Up:

• Sextortion scams can be a recurring problem. Keep the lines of communication open so they know that they can always come to you with questions or concerns.

Important Reminders for Both Parents and Minors:

• Privacy Settings: Teach the minor to use strong privacy settings on social media accounts and be cautious about sharing personal information online.
• Know Who You're Talking To: Remind them that not everyone online is who they say they are, and they should never assume a stranger that they don't know in real life is trustworthy just because they appear friendly.
• If You Feel Uncomfortable, Stop: Encourage them to immediately block or stop talking to anyone who makes them feel uneasy, especially if they’re being asked for personal information or explicit content.