Financial Sextortion: Fastest Growing Cyber Crime
Summary
Financial sextortion occurs when someone is blackmailed after sharing intimate photos or videos online, often with someone they believe to be a trusted friend or partner. The episode shares info from EndTab.org highlighting chilling statistics, with most victims being young men and boys. This has tragic results.
We also explore how these scams typically unfold. The episode covers the responses from law enforcement and social media platforms, as well as practical steps to prevent sextortion. increasing prevalence of these scams, it's crucial to discuss this issue with our children and equip them with the knowledge to protect themselves online.
Lessons Learned
Financial sextortion is the fastest-growing cyber crime.
Scammers often pretend to be someone they're not to obtain intimate photos or videos and then blackmail the victims.
This crime is a growing problem that is not slowing down.
It's important to report sextortion to law enforcement and talk with family about it.
Five key ways to prevent sextortion:
Be skeptical of strangers online
Online friends of friends should be treated with caution
Verify the identity of people who contact you
Limit personal information in shared images
Be aware of synthetic images or deepfakes
Resources
Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.
EndTAB (Ending Tech-Enabled Abuse): endtab.org and LinkedIn and Instagram
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call / Text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
DHS (Dept. Homeland Security) “Know To Protect” Campaign to help kids identify and protect themselves
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