Christians United Against
Human Trafficking
501(c)3 non-profit organization - your support
of this ministry is tax deductible
Sextortion
What is it and how does it work?
Sextortion is a form of sexual exploitation where someone threatens to share intimate images, often referred to as "nudes" (previously obtained) unless their demands are met. It is a form of blackmail. So how does this happen?
Step One - Contact is made with the target. Commonly on gaming sites, social media apps, etc.
Step Two - Flirting begins. This may come across as playful or funny at first, so teens often fail to recognize danger is lurking.
Be aware! Grooming‑based sextortion there will be longer‑term manipulation (sometimes months.)
Step Three - They request nudes (inappropriate images) Once the images are received...
Step Four - Demands begin. This is usually for money, more images, video content or even a "meet up."
Step Five - Threat of exposure! This is the hook. Threats start immediately and include deadlines to create panic.
They will tell the target if they don't comply with their demands, they will share the images with their parents, pastor, school faculty, student body, etc. The perpetrator (sextortionist) uses the threat of exposure to manipulate the victim into compliance. They may say things like, "I wonder how mommy and daddy will feel when they learn their little girl is just a little slut and not the sweet girl they thought she was. Or, "I wonder what your teachers will say when they see what you've been sharing online?" They may say, "I will destroy you, you're mine now!" These are just examples of things said to teens to make them feel embarrassed and ashamed. They will use the threat that terrifies them the most to gain compliance. This causes the teen to feel vulnerable, alone and helpless to stop it.
Too many minors have taken their own life as a result of sextortion threats.
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Parents need to let their kids know that no matter what - they will always be there for them. Even if they have done something they shouldn't have, you will STILL be in their corner, and you are ready, willing and able to help them.
It is a CRIME for adults to solicit explicit images from minors
Parents! Let your kids know what they should do if they ever encounter someone asking for nudes. Tell them:
1) Block them immediately
2) Save everything! Keep ALL text and correspondence, screen names, emails, etc. This is evidence of their crime.
3) Do NOT pay any money or send more images (This will NOT make it stop)
4) REPORT IT. Talk to a parent, trusted adult, or school resource officer to get help.
If your child or a minor you know has or is experiencing sextortion - it is important that you help them understand they are a victim. They were manipulated (usually by an adult posing as teen) and they fell prey to their tactics. Be ready to help them. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO NEGOTIATE and contact law enforcement to report the crime and get help.
Can Sextortion lead into a trafficking situation?
Absolutely!
How To Avoid Becoming A Victim
Of Sextortion
There are things YOU can do to keep from becoming a victim
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Keep all of your social media accounts on PRIVATE
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Do not accept friend request from people you do not personally know
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Do not open email attachments or links in text from people you do not personally know. These can contain viruses and malware that can operate your webcam without your knowledge
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Make sure your webcam is turned off and take your computer off-line by turning off your computer wi-fi when not in use
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NEVER send inappropriate images of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are, or who they claim to be (including spouses)
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If someone requests an inappropriate picture of you, block them immediately
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If someone tells you, or you discover an inappropriate image of yourself online (that you know is not legitimate) report it to local law enforcement immediately. These are known as "deep fake" images
and they are created by individuals that take head shot images of persons (from social media, etc.) and incorporate them into pornographic images making it look like you. This is a crime report it immediately.
How to Get Help
If this is happening to you or someone you know, you are a victim of a crime and should report it. Contact local Law Enforcement or the local FBI field office at
1-800-CALL-FBI. You can also report it on their tip line (link provided at the bottom of this page). The FBI has staff dedicated to assisting victims of crime. Learn more about the Victim Services Division (link below).
If you are the victim of sextortion and your images have been posted online, use the link at the bottom to get assistance in removing inappropriate online images.
Walk A Mile In Their Shoes
What do teens experience when threatened with sextortion?
We invite you to participate in an interactive video created by the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
which will put you in the shoes of a teen to see just what happens when a sextorter is victimizing them. (Link will take you off this site)
Feel free to share this with others. Most importantly, if you or someone you know is experiencing sextortion threats, save all text messages and report it to law enforcement.
You can also contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to get help in removing inappropriate images of yourself from the internet.
Link provided below