INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – The FBI is issuing a urgent warning to residents of Indiana about the alarming rise of a growing danger known as “sextortion.”
Online predators are specifically targeting children, with a focus on boys between the ages of 14 and 17, using a deceptive tactic involving fake social media profiles to manipulate their victims into exchanging sexually explicit content. Once the predators have obtained compromising images, they begin making demands, including threats to share the images with the victims’ social media contacts, family, and friends.
According to Curtis Cox, a special agent for the FBI, the fear and anxiety caused by these threats often lead to self-harm and panic among the victims. Cox emphasized the urgent nature of the situation, noting a 20% increase in the number of cases over a six-month period. The state of Indiana has not been immune to this alarming trend, as evidenced by a particularly disturbing case that targeted a young female in Hendricks County nearly a decade ago.
Individuals who may have been targeted or know someone who has fallen victim are encouraged to reach out to investigators by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting tips.fbi.gov. Cox also stressed the importance of responding appropriately if a child discloses that they have been targeted, advising parents not to judge or be angry, but to offer support and view the child as a victim in need of help.
Furthermore, Cox warned against the mistaken belief that meeting the demands of the predators will stop the threats, asserting that spreading awareness and reporting such incidents to law enforcement are the most effective methods for bringing an end to the abuse. The FBI’s message is clear: online predators are highly sophisticated and manipulative, and it is crucial to take immediate action to protect potential victims from falling into their traps.