Watch out! Sextortionist on the Prowl
CNBC reported that a form of cybercrime called “Financial Sextortion” was on the rise in North America and Australia, as per studies by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI).
According to the FBI, “Sextortion is a crime that involves adults coercing kids and teens into sending explicit images online.” Thereafter the criminals use the images to threaten the individuals of distribution to their family and friends, demanding the victim to pay money.
Yahoo Boys
This activity was majorly run by an unorganized cybercriminal group in West Africa who call themselves “Yahoo Boys.” Despite many cases of sextortion taking place online, the NCRI researchers say that platforms used by Yahoo Boys and other threat actors have been slow to moderate their materials or make changes that could help curb the spread of sextortion. However, in August 2023, a 17-year-old high schooler from Michigan fell victim to these criminals and tragically took his life.
Sextortion Scam Training Videos on Youtube
Intriguingly, the NCRI’s study found that these criminals were posting their tactics and sextortion scam training videos on TikTok, Scribd, and YouTube. In particular, one video posted on YouTube instructed viewers on how to “catch a client,” keep them engaged by acting “like a real girl,” and how to convince them to send increasingly explicit photos.
Responsibility of the Parents
Parents and elders may need to have open conversations with their children and educate them about the risks that could be involved with sending pictures to strangers.
RR Author
Real Research News is the media platform that presents insights and studies of wide-range of topics. It focuses on insights gathered from its survey app.
