(ConservativeStar.com) – While the internet is a useful place, it also has a seedier side that can make its way into anybody’s home. That can be a particular problem for those who overshare and now, federal law enforcement is warning parents of teenage boys to be on the lookout for signs of what they call “sextortion.”
The FBI says this type of extortion is no joke and defines it as “a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute [one’s] private and sensitive material,” if they don’t pay money or provide X-rated images or “favors.”
Warning: content some may find distressing https://t.co/23XY3TCAuE
— Phil Mitchell: Male Sexual Abuse Specialist (@PhilMitchell83) April 5, 2022
The Pittsburgh FBI office recently warned parents and their children that some predators can hijack the cameras on electronic devices and secretly record their target. This can have tragic consequences.
A boy in Marquette, Michigan, made the same error many teens do, he uploaded compromising pictures of himself to Instagram — and found himself as a target of sextortion. The blackmailer made repeated demands for money until the student finally said, “you win, I’m going to kill myself,” and on March 25, the 17-year-old boy did just that.
If you are, or you suspect someone else is, a victim of online predators, please contact your local police department or if there is an immediate threat call 9-1-1. You can also get in touch with your local FBI field office, contact information can be found here.
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