A chilling warning has been issued to parents following a concerning spike in the number of children falling victim to sexual extortion.
The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) says an increasing number of Australian boys are being targeted by online predators.
The sick practice involves offenders duping or coercing kids into producing sexual photos and videos which are then recorded or saved.
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Internet criminals, often based overseas, then threaten to share the intimate material unless they receive payment from their victim.
Australian Federal Police Commander Hilda Sirec says the number of reported incidents have quadrupled between mid-2021 and this year.
“Tactics can vary, but child sex offenders commonly pose as girls and befriend boys via social media platforms, image-sharing apps or online games,” she said on Monday.
“These predators reveal they had footage of the child in compromising positions and demand money in return for not sharing the vision with family and friends or posting it online.
“We have seen predators initially demanding an impossibly large sum of money, then negotiating with the victim on a lower amount they could actually pay.
“Once that money was paid – either by bank transfer, online game, gift cards or even cryptocurrency – the predator would demand even more money.
“They are not deterred by the age of the victim, they care only about the profit they can make.
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Sirec said the AFP was urging parents and children to watch out for warning signs and for victims to seek help and report the crime.
Warning signs include inconsistencies with an online profile, meeting on one app and then being asked to continue a conversation on a different platform or the person claiming they are unable to video or make a phone call due to their camera or microphone not working
“These crimes have devastating effects on children and their families,” she said.
“These offenders are very manipulative and they will threaten and frighten children to get what they want, including telling victims they will be in trouble with law enforcement if they speak up.
“We are appealing to parents and carers to talk to their children about online safety, how to recognise suspicious behaviour online and speak out if they have been targeted.
“If your child is or has been a victim, reassure them that it’s not their fault and that there is help available.
“By reporting what has happened, they may help us catch an offender and prevent other children being harmed.”
Victims are urged to collect evidence such as screenshots and conversations and to make a report to police as soon as possible.
If you are a victim of this crime:
- Avoid sending any more images;
- Collect evidence such as screenshots of conversations and make a report to police;
- Don’t blame yourself and speak to someone you trust for advice and support. This could be a friend, sibling, trusted adult or support service;
- Change your passwords for all online accounts and review your privacy and security settings.
How to get help:
- If you think a child is in immediate danger call triple-0, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or your local police.
- Cases of sexual extortion involving children (under the age of 18) can be reported to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation at accce.gov.au/report.
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