In this show we continue our series on sharing our research on the latest trend in sextortion schemes that mercilessly
target our teens, most are males. The perpetrators are from third world countries that now have sophisticated high-tech apps, dating sites, video gaming chat rooms and money transfer capability, where they can meet kids and seduce them into
exchanging illicit images. This is all about making money and lots of it.
Opal Singleton has been conducting research and comparative studies of these cases, where some of the victims have panicked and taken their own lives. Once the victim has shared an illicit image the blackmail begins. In some cases, the victim actually sent the money and/or blocked the communication, but the
criminals are brutal. They continue to demand money, suggest the victim should take their own lives, and promise to destroy the victim if they don’t comply.
These cases are heartbreaking. As technology capabilities expand to poor countries around the globe and as AI will be used to alter images, this type of blackmail will become common place. It is CRITICAL, that we understand this crime, and educate parents, grandparents and school personnel about how this crime takes place and how to help a potential victim so they are empowered to report and provide information so law
enforcement can educate and prosecute predators, even if they are halfway around the world. Most important, we must prepare our kids so that when they become a victim, they will not panic
and make life-changing decisions.