SAINT LOUIS, MO (KMOX) - The FBI says it's seeing a spike in "Sextortion" and the main targets are teenage boys.
The FBI in St. Louis says predators meet teens online -- on social media platforms, apps, and even in games. They pretend to be teenage girls and eventually coax the boys into performing explicit acts on video, recording it.
The offenders then threaten to make the video public, unless the teens pay up.
Agents say the victims often remain silent due to harassment by the predators and the fear of embarrassment.
The FBI points out coercion of a child by an adult to produce what is considered Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) carries heavy penalties, which can include up to life sentences for the offender.
“I want to stress the importance of parents discussing online safety with their children. The children who have been targeted are the victims and need to be reminded they are not in trouble with the law,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI St. Louis Division. “As with many crimes where people are manipulated and fall prey, perpetrators are relying on the victim to be embarrassed and not report it.”
If you or someone you know is the victim of sextortion, the FBI recommends taking these steps:
1. Report it:
a. Local FBI (find offices at www.fbi.gov)
b. FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov
c. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (1-800-the-lost or Cybertipline.org)
2. Do not delete anything before law enforcement reviews it.
3. Tell law enforcement everything about the online encounters to help them find the offender.
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