Sextortion is a serious crime described by the FBI as “threatening to distribute your private and sensitive material if you don’t provide them images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money.” They may “threaten to harm your friends or relatives” by using information from your computer or other electronic device.
Usually, the criminal is an adult who preys on young children, teens, or young adults. The adult pretends to be about the same age as the victim. If the victim is a boy, the adult may pretend to be a young girl who is interested in him. For example, “she” may ask him to send “her” sexually explicit pictures or videos. A number of teenage boys ages 14-17 have been targeted.
The adult criminal demands money or gift cards be sent to him, or he will publish the pictures or videos online. Victims are usually reached by going onto chat rooms or other online sites. They may also hack into a victims computer and access files or control the victims web camera and microphone without the victim realizing it.
Victims of sextortion are usually ashamed and frightened, especially if they are threatened. They may do what the criminal is demanding of them.
Sometimes the criminal pretends to already have sexually explicit material and blackmail victims. The Department of Justice reports that they are aware of more than 3,000 victims during this past year. Victims can be from any socioeconomic group.
Unfortunately, a number of victims have become so ashamed that they commit suicide. It is a tragic situation, and the FBI has agents working on these crimes. They have made arrests when the perpetrator is in the U.S.
The FBI recommends that young people take precautions to avoid becoming a victim. They recommend that you never send “compromising images to anyone.” Do not open a request when you are not certain who it is. Turn off your electronic devices and the web-camera when not using them.
If you have been victimized by sexstortion, let an adult know and call the FBI. Their number is 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Sextortion is a tragic cause of suicide. Parents and other caregivers should educate their children and let them know you will support them if they let you know they have been victimized.
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
Health and Culture 