By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A BBC investigation tracks the rise of sextortion, a growing online crime where victims, often teenagers, are blackmailed into sending intimate photos or videos. The investigation followed the digital footprint of a scammer who targeted US teenager Evan Boettler, leading to Lagos, Nigeria, where organized “Hustle Kingdoms” of scammers operate. These operations involve young men using social media to extort money from victims, sometimes incorporating traditional rituals and even deepfake technology to increase their success. Despite efforts from social media platforms like Meta, which claim to combat sextortion, critics argue these measures are insufficient, while reports of such crimes continue to rise.
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“I have your nudes and everything to ruin your life” – it’s a chilling phrase, isn’t it? And it’s the starting point for some truly disturbing cyber scams that specifically target teenagers. This isn’t just about embarrassing photos; it’s about preying on fear, manipulating vulnerabilities, and potentially causing lasting psychological damage. The core of it is the threat – the promise to expose intimate images, often coupled with demands for money or further compliance. It’s a tactic built on power, and it’s crucial for young people, and those who care for them, to understand how it works and how to fight back.
The scammers are banking on a teenager’s inherent fear of humiliation. They know that the thought of those images being shared with friends, family, or even the entire world is enough to send many into a state of panic. The very threat of exposure becomes a weapon. However, here’s the thing: once they expose the images, they’ve essentially shot their bolt. That’s it. Their leverage is gone. So, a key defense is to not give them the satisfaction of seeing you sweat. Block them immediately. Report them. Don’t feed the fear.
It’s easy to say, but the emotional impact is real. Imagine the scenario: a teenager meets someone online, maybe they share some intimate photos, and then the person they thought they were connecting with turns into a blackmailer. It’s happened, and the consequences can be devastating. One young person’s story, for instance, highlights the horrific fallout. The victim, after being blackmailed and having the photos shared with their mother, was refused assistance by the police. In this context, the police were threatening to press charges because of the victim having sent the photos in the first place. The result was a spiral into crippling depression and the inability to function. This reveals a crucial point: the victims of these scams should be treated with compassion and support, not further punishment.
Let’s be clear: sending nudes, especially if you’re under the age of 18, brings a host of legal considerations into the picture. If the scammer threatens to distribute images of a minor, they’re potentially committing serious sex crimes. It’s important to understand that the law is on the side of the victim. The scammers, the moment they threaten to distribute, are the ones risking severe penalties. The potential jail time should give them pause for thought. In the case of AI, with the rapid advancements in technology, it’s becoming easier to create realistic deepfakes. It’s a new weapon for the cyber criminals, but again, knowing this can help empower people and combat the criminals.
Prevention is key, and it starts with education. Teens need to be taught about the inherent dangers of sending explicit photos and how to navigate online interactions safely. This includes educating teens about what is and isn’t permissible online, and what constitutes illegal activity. Don’t let them believe the lie that your life is over if this happens to you. There are also some useful suggestions for tackling the issue. For example, if you’re being threatened, and if you are an adult, report the person and their actions to the authorities. If the victim is a teenager, then the advice is to tell a trusted adult.
There’s a growing awareness of the societal issue surrounding nudity. While the idea of “don’t take nudes” might sound simplistic, it’s often the most straightforward advice. If you’re not sending them, the scammers have nothing to threaten you with. But, even with this advice, what happens if a teen still falls prey to a scammer? It’s important for parents to offer their children a safe space. The response should be one of support and understanding, not judgment or anger. Let the teen know they are safe and they can always be helped, no matter the circumstances.
Ultimately, confronting these scams requires a multi-pronged approach: education, open communication, and a society that refuses to shame or blame the victims. It also requires understanding that the online world is a different space, and that the lessons we, as adults, learned growing up might not be enough to protect today’s teens. It’s a fight against fear, against manipulation, and against the very real potential for lasting harm.