Criminals like to make money, and if they can target people who are easy to manipulate, then all the better. That's why children are in the firing line - they're still learning the ropes for using technology, they often don't understand the potential consequences of their actions, and they often have money, or access to it.
What is sextortion?
It's when a criminal manages to gain a nude photo of a child, and they then demand payment or they will release that photo to all their friends. Here's roughly how the criminal can do it:
- Send friend request on social media, with an attractive looking profile photo
- Chat to build rapport / trust
- Ask to swap nude photos (it can take a while to get to this point)
- Obtain nude photo of child
- State that you have access to their social media friends, and threaten to release the photo to their friends unless payment is received
- Push for as much payment as possible
- Payment could be via a gift card where the info on the card is sent (easier than a bank transfer for a child, and they could steal money from their parents to achieve this)
- The criminal could demand additional payment
What can happen?
The worst case scenario is suicide, and yes, unfortunately this does happen. The criminal has the photo and they may continue to come back for more money with the threat of releasing the photo. The pressure will continue to build, until potentially the child decides they cannot take any more.
What should you do?
- Education:. Ensure you children understand NEVER to send a nude photo. And of course it's ideal if they never take a nude photo in the first place. Explain to them how the scam works, and the potential consequences.
- Lock Profiles: Explain why it's important for them to lock their social media profiles (so criminals can't get information about them to trick them easier).
- Support: Make it clear that if they have any problems, that they can come to you for advice and support, no matter what they've done. Yes there may be shame, but they must know that you are there for them, no matter what they have done. It may well be that the criminal does not have access to a friends list if profiles are locked, so they may be bluffing.
- Monitor: Look for a change in behaviour. If they are stressed / distracted, then you need to find out why. Perhaps you find money is missing from your wallet.
In companies, staff MUST feel comfortable to report being tricked, and they must be supported rather than blamed.. The same applies at home for children.