All social media platforms, messaging apps, and websites are an open invitation to threat actors for the worst behavior. Most teens lack the critical thinking abilities to differentiate between what might be friend or foe and are perfect to be “played” by those that have bad intentions. Sextortion arrives in a number of ways and since teens can be easy victims, they are often too embarrassed to speak to an adult about it. No matter what form it takes, sextortion directed at teens is a crime and some are taking steps to combat it. This is a serious form of crime that has led some teens to committing suicide.
While teens may be contacted by an unknown person stating that they have a revealing image or video of them, in most cases, sextortion begins with online communication where they think they are talking to someone their own age who is interested in establishing a relationship. Conversations can lead to sending images and encouraging revealing images. This can quickly lead to the criminal showing who they are by shaming and threatening to share the images or even financially blackmailing the teen.
According to the FBI, there has been an increase in financial sextortion among teens. Make no mistake, the victims are under age and this form of activity is a crime. The criminals have studied how to reach out and appeal to teens on their level. They learn what works with each teen, including threatening physical harm to them, their school or their family or exposing the revealing pictures or videos. It’s important to note that, like many online cybercrimes, the perpetrators are motivated by money. They are aware that teens may go to any lengths to try to hide what has happened. Sadly, in many cases, the criminals release the photos or videos, even if they’ve received payment.
Meta has stepped up to try to combat this heinous form of crime by adding new algorithms to their Instagram and Facebook platforms. They are including a rollout to block follow requests that may be sent to teens from “scammy behaviour” accounts. In addition, they are including a “nudity protection” feature that will blur out any nude images that are detected. They are also deleting the ability for any screenshots or screen recordings that disappear in Instagram or Facebook Messenger.
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Although these steps are just the first of many that are needed, there is a intense requirement for parents and caregivers to not only be aware of these behaviours, but to communicate clearly with their teens that they can talk to them about any situations such as sextortion that they may find themselves in. Teens may often reach out to other adults such as parents of friends or even religious leaders or counsellors for help, but they need to be reassured that adults will help them and not judge them.
“We know that teens are often not receptive to talking about topics such as sextortion or the dangers on the net with their parents or caregivers. We have developed a good line of communication that addresses these topics clearly with teens, so they know how to recognise a potential online criminal and what to do to report it and protect themselves and their friends.”
Sharon Knowles, CEO DaVinci Cybersecurity
Source:
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/sextortion
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/meta-unveils-features-combat-teen-sextortion-rcna175929
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/financial-sextortion-often-targets-teen-boys-instagram-according-new-d-rcna157790