FBI Issues Warning: Financial Sextortion of Minors on the Rise in U.S. Virgin Islands
Warning Issued by FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has issued a national public safety alert warning parents and caregivers about an explosion in incidents of children and teens being coerced into sending explicit images online and extorted for money, also known as financial sextortion.
Prevalence of Financial Sextortion
According to law enforcement, over 7,000 reports have been received in the past year related to the online financial sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 3,000 victims, primarily boys. A large percentage of these schemes originate outside of the United States, with West African countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast being major hotspots.
Impact on Children
The many victims who are afraid to come forward are not even included in those numbers. We need parents and caregivers to work with us to prevent this crime before it happens and help children come forward if it does."
How Financial Sextortion Schemes Work
Financial sextortion schemes typically occur on social media sites, gaming platforms, or video chat applications where young people feel comfortable. Online predators use fake female accounts to target minor males between 14 to 17 years old, but the FBI has interviewed victims as young as 10.
Consequences of Financial Sextortion
Through deception, predators convince young people to produce explicit videos or photos, which they then threaten to release unless payment is made. Often, however, predators release the images even if payments are made, leaving victims feeling ashamed, fearful, and confused.
Resources for Parents and Children
The best defense against this crime is to talk to your children about what to do if they’re targeted online."
- Visit fbi.gov/StopSextortion to learn more about financial sextortion and how to talk to your children about it.
- Contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at gethelp@ncmec.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST for support.