FBI warns parents more young boys are falling victim to sextortion

Adults pose as young girls to trick kids into sending them sexual images and videos, which are then used to extort money

OMAHA, Neb. (KLKN) – The FBI is warning parents and caregivers about an increase in predatory behavior involving young children.

Numerous reports have been filed claiming that adults posing as young girls have been coercing young boys on social media to produce sexual images or videos and then extorting them for money.

Reports of this scheme, as well as other types of sextortion, have recently been filed to the FBI Omaha Field Office.

Sextortion starts when an adult contacts a minor online.  In recent schemes, the predator will typically pose as a young girl and trick a young male to engage in explicit activity in video or photos. The predators will then reveal themselves and attempt to extort the victim for money to prevent them from spreading the photos or videos.

The act of coercing a child to produce Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is a crime that can include up to a life sentence for the offender.  The victim’s embarrassment can prevent them from coming forward.  Children usually will come forward to someone they trust like a parent, teacher or caregiver.

Coming forward and speaking out helps law enforcement identify offenders and may prevent other incidents of sextortion.

To protect you and your children, be careful what you share online.  Be cautious of anyone you meet online.  Videos and photos are not proof that a person is who they claim to be.  If anyone asks you to start talking to them on a different platform, be cautious.  Encourage children to report any suspicious behavior to a trusted adult.

If you have any information concerning sextortion or any other form of abuse, contact your local FBI field office, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (1-800-the-lost).