Online dating is now part of everyday life for young people. While it is often positive, it can also hide a very real danger: sextortion. And the figures are staggering. This year, more than 350 cases have already been opened by Child Focus, an increase of 130% compared to last year.
Surprisingly, this phenomenon affects boys in particular.
Sextortion: understanding this scam that targets our young people
Sextortion involves a criminal:
- building trust by pretending to be a young person of the same age;
- obtaining intimate images by manipulating the victim;
- then threatening to distribute these images if the teenager does not pay or send more.
Behind these fake profiles are real criminal organisations that exploit young boys on a massive scale: 93% of new cases opened involve male victims.
Often out of shame or fear of the reactions of those around them, these boys do not dare to ask for help... which exacerbates the problem.
When AI becomes a weapon in the hands of criminals
Scammers are no longer content with traditional fake profiles. They now use artificial intelligence to make their traps more credible:
- hyper-realistic avatars, sometimes animated and adapting their language to that of young people;
- deepnudes: sexualised images or videos made from simple photos of the victim, which are then used to exert pressure.
‘Payboy’: a new platform dedicated to young people
Child Focus is launching Payboy, an online platform to help young people:
- spot the signs of an attempted sextortion;
- understand the mechanisms of manipulation;
- learn how to react;
- find help quickly.
Victim of sextortion? Here are the right things to do
- Never pay: it never stops the blackmail.
- Take screenshots of conversations, profiles and threats.
- Cut off contact with the extortionist immediately.
- Talk to a trusted adult or loved one.
- Contact Child Focus on 116 000 (free 24/7).
- Report it to the police: sextortion is a crime punishable by law.
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