Protecting children against sextortion

One of the most alarming and fast-growing crimes threatening our children today is sextortion. This is when predators trick or coerce young people into sending explicit images or videos and then using those images to demand more compromising images that they use for sexual exploitation, to force in-person meetings or to extort money. Once in possession of explicit photos, bad actors threaten to expose the photos to the child’s entire school or family to achieve their demands. Children have become so frightened and traumatized by sextortion that they have contemplated suicide.

In San Diego County and across the nation, reports of to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force are spiking year-over-year at an unprecedented rate. The task force already is on track to receive over 17,500 tips this year, far higher than last year’s 11,000. While not every report to the task force involves sextortion, the jump in reports is worrisome and it signals to law enforcement that opening to access children through online platforms is widening.

This dramatic increase is a warning sign for every parent and caregiver. Over the last three years, our office has filed extortion cases against 40 defendants, three of which involved minor children. This is a small sampling of the actual extortion that occurs, because not all victims report the incidents to police.

Much of the grooming begins in places where kids feel safe, such as online gaming apps. Predators pose as peers, building trust, and then encourage children to move conversations to private messaging platforms where exploitation begins. That’s why it’s vital for parents to talk openly with their children about the dangers, set clear rules, and stay engaged with their online lives.

Parents should be aware of how sextortion schemes often unfold. Here’s what it looks like:

A stranger connects with a child through a gaming app, social media, or chat room.

The predator pretends to be a teen, often sending a fake photo.

They encourage the child to share personal or explicit images.

Once an image is shared, the predator demands money or more images under threat of exposure.

Scammers may demand gift cards, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers.

Tips for parents to protect their children:

Warn children never to take conversations to private messaging apps where predators gain control.

Learn how to protect your children on NetSmartz.

Keep devices in common areas so online activity is visible.

Discuss the risks of online friendships, reminding kids that people online aren’t friends, they are strangers.

Reassure children that if they make a mistake, they can come to you without fear of punishment.

Report suspicious behavior immediately to law enforcement or the ICAC Task Force.

If your child is targeted, here are important steps:

Do not pay. Paying does not make the problem go away.

Stop communicating immediately with the predator.

Save all messages, usernames, and evidence. Do not delete them.

Report the crime to your local police department and to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.

Support your child emotionally. Victims may feel ashamed or afraid. Remind them it is not their fault.

Sextortion is a cruel crime that preys on fear and shame. By talking openly with your children, setting boundaries, and staying alert to their online interactions, you can help protect them from this growing threat.

Our office is committed to fighting sextortion through prosecution, education, and collaboration with law enforcement partners. Together, we can safeguard our children and stop predators before they cause irreparable harm.

As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and the public. I hope these consumer and public safety tips have been helpful.