Rise in sexting, sextortion prompts warning to parents from

[Big Al]

https://wwmt.com/news/local/sexting-sex ... t-michigan

CALHOUN COUNTY, Mich. — Of the 30,000 cases of online sextortion reported nationally in 2022, more than 7,000 complaints involved children, according to the FBI and Homeland Security.

Because of this, and a continuing rise in sexting [the sharing and receiving of sexually explicit messages and nude or partially nude images via computer or cell phone], Calhoun County Prosecuting Attorney David Gilbert issued a letter warning parents and students of the dangers of sexting and sextortion Thursday.

"Over the years, sexting has been increasing in our society with both adults and minors," Gilbert said. "For adults, sending these materials has resulted in revenge porn exposure and extortion threats, with people demanding payment or other benefits in exchange for not releasing the material [sextortion]. This conduct is increasingly being directed to our children."

Of the 7,000 children involved in these sextortion complaints, some 3,000 were identified. This led to more than 12 suicides across the country, including one in Michigan, according to Gilbert.

So far, the youngest victim was known to be 9 years old.

"Children and teens across the nation are being threatened and coerced into sending explicit images online or paying money through cash apps to prevent their release," Gilbert said. "They are meeting people online through social media outlets - Facebook, Snapchat, lnstagram and numerous other apps. Many times, someone is posing as someone they are not. Children and adults who are being coerced should call the police. You are not the one breaking the law."


Developing a false online relationship and trying to move the child to another social app
Hacking accounts to steal sexual images
Visiting public media sources to get personal information about their victim to establish a relationship with them
Using multiple identities
Threatening to commit suicide if the minor refuses to send images
Falsely claiming they already have the child's images

To prevent children from online sextortion, Gilbert has these recommends for both parents and students:

1. No relationship needs pictures to be romantic or fun - Photos and videos of your teen years will be online forever. If you shared an intimate picture or video, talk to a trusted adult who can help you. Block anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Do not comply with blackmail demands; report them. Don't be afraid to speak out.

2. Protect Yourself - Minors [and adults] should remove explicit online images before they are accessed and report sextortion to the police. A cell phone can be lost or stolen, it may be passed around without your permission, or it may be used to blackmail you into sending more pictures or money. If you are being threatened, most likely others you know are also being threatened. Block the predator, saving all conversations, chats and messages for the police and refuse to pay or send more images. A minor should tell their parents or other trusted adult. If a child does not believe they have adults in their corner, they can reach out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST [1-800-843-5678]. The NCMEC can also help get explicit images of you off the internet.

3. Protect others - Delete any explicit messages sent to you right away. Don't forward or share explicit messages you receive. Don't ask or pressure others to share an image. Ignore or refuse requests for images, whether you know them or not. Talk to you friends about not sharing and tell someone if they do.

A full letter provided by Gilbert can be found below:


This letter written by Calhoun County Prosecuting Attorney David Gilbert provides tips and information to keep children and adults safe from sextortion. (Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office/WWMT)
Click here to view the PDF file.

Anyone with questions or concerns about sextortion is encouraged to contact their local police or the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office.