ALERT says a "major increase" in the number of sextortion cases has been reported. (Photo: ALERT)

By David Opinko

Crime

Officials warn of rising incidents of sextortion involving minors

Feb 7, 2023 | 5:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Law enforcement agencies across the world are sounding the alarm after a “major increase” in reported sextortion cases.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) says children, often times boys, are being coerced into sending explicit images online and are then extorted for money.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection claims that 200 incidents of sextortion are reported every month through Cybertip.ca, approximately 87 per cent of which involve boys between the ages of 10 and 17.

ALERT says sextortion can happen anywhere, although it mainly happens on electronic devices such as smartphones, gaming consoles, and computers by means of social media or video chat.

According to an ALERT media release, “Predators often pose as girls of a similar age and use fake accounts to target young boys, deceiving them into sending explicit photos or videos. The predator then threatens to release the compromising materials unless the victim sends payment, however in many cases, the predator will release the images anyway.”

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

ALERT CEO and Superintendent Marc Cochlin says children and teens can be targeted in their homes, classrooms, or in other public places.

He adds that parents and guardians should practice online safety by applying privacy and security settings within social media accounts and reminding their children to not add or follow people they do not know.

“There has never been greater urgency to initiate the conversation with our youth about the current online-cyber environment and warn them of potential susceptibilities and ensure vigilance so they do not become the next victim,” says Cochlin. “Law enforcement agencies worldwide are joining forces to share resources and education materials to thwart sextortion scams, sexual exploitation and protect our youth from online predators; but we need your help.”

ALERT offered the following tips for anyone who believes they may be a victim of sextortion:

• Blame the predator, not the victim.
• Stop all communications with the offender.
• Do not delete social media accounts, messages, or images because these can help law enforcement.
• Save copies of any images that were sent to the perpetrator including their profile and username.
• Get help before sending money or additional images.
• Trust your instincts and practice caution when communicating online.
• Reach out to a trusted adult and report what happened through Cybertip.ca or to your local police.

February 7, 2023, is Safer Internet Day, and law enforcement agencies around the world are urging children and caregivers to educate themselves about the risks of sextortion.