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By District Attorney Summer Stephan Sextortion Against Children is on the Rise, Parents be on Alert By District Attorney Summer Stephan
One of the most alarming and fast-growing crimes threatening our children today is sextortion. This is when predators trick or coerce young people into sending explicit images or videos and then using those images to demand more compromising images that they use for sexual exploitation, to force in-person meetings or to extort money. Once in possession of explicit photos, bad actors threaten to expose the photos to the child’s entire school or family to achieve their demands. Children have become so frightened and traumatized by sextortion that they have contemplated suicide. In San Diego County and across the nation, reports of to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force are spiking year-over-year at an unprecedented rate. The task force already is on track to receive over 17,500 tips this year, far higher than last year’s 11,000. While not every report to the task force involves sextortion, the jump in reports is worrisome and it signals to law enforcement that opening to access children through online platforms is widening. This dramatic increase is a warning sign for every parent and caregiver. Over the last three years, our office has filed extortion cases against 40 defendants, three of which involved minor children. This is a small sampling of the actual extortion that occurs, because not all victims report the incidents to police. Much of the grooming begins in places where kids feel safe, such as online gaming apps. Predators pose as peers, building trust, and then encourage children to move conversations to private messaging platforms where exploitation begins. That’s why it’s vital for parents to talk openly with their children about the dangers, set clear rules, and stay engaged with their online lives. Parents should be aware of how sextortion schemes often unfold. Here’s what it looks like: · A stranger connects with a child through a gaming app, social media, or chat room. · The predator pretends to be a teen, often sending a fake photo. · They encourage the child to share personal or explicit images. · Once an image is shared, the predator demands money or more images under threat of exposure. · Scammers may demand gift cards, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers. Tips for parents to protect their children: · Warn children never to take conversations to private messaging apps where predators gain control. · Learn how to protect your children on NetSmartz. · Keep devices in common areas so online activity is visible. · Discuss the risks of online friendships, reminding kids that people online aren’t friends, they are strangers. · Reassure children that if they make a mistake, they can come to you without fear of punishment. · Report suspicious behavior immediately to law enforcement or the ICAC Task Force. If your child is targeted, here are important steps: · Do not pay. Paying does not make the problem go away. · Stop communicating immediately with the predator. · Save all messages, usernames, and evidence. Do not delete them. · Report the crime to your local police department and to the FBI at www.ic3.gov. · Support your child emotionally. Victims may feel ashamed or afraid. Remind them it is not their fault. Sextortion is a cruel crime that preys on fear and shame. By talking openly with your children, setting boundaries, and staying alert to their online interactions, you can help protect them from this growing threat. Our office is committed to fighting sextortion through prosecution, education, and collaboration with law enforcement partners. Together, we can safeguard our children and stop predators before they cause irreparable harm. As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and the public. I hope these consumer and public safety tips have been helpful. The free community forums on September 10 in Oceanside and September 16 in Escondido will give residents the opportunity to hear updates on federal funding and its potential impact on North County, ask questions, and share ideas to help build community solutions.
ESCONDIDO, CA: Interfaith Community Services, North County’s largest social services agency, will host two free community forums this September: Oceanside on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and in Escondido on Tuesday, Sept. 16. These events will give residents a chance to hear updates on shelter services, potential local impacts of federal budget cuts on SNAP and Medicaid and more, ask questions and share ideas for lasting community solutions. “These forums are about creating space for our region to ask questions and share input on the issues from housing needs to recovery, outreach and collaboration,” said Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services. “By listening and responding together, we ensure our work remains grounded in dignity, compassion and community partnership.” What to Expect: Oceanside Forum Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 5:30 – 7 p.m. Oceanside Civic Center – Library Community Room, 330 N. Coast Highway · Updates on Interfaith’s new management of the Navigation Center and its role in addressing homelessness. · The potential impact of federal budgets cuts on local safety-net programs and families. · Firsthand insights from Interfaith’s “boots-on-the-ground” Homeless Outreach Team. Escondido Forum Tuesday, Sept.16 | 5:30 – 7 p.m. Cocina del Charro – 890 W. Valley Parkway · How Interfaith is collaborating with the City of Escondido to expand solutions and support. · The potential impact of federal budgets cuts on local safety-net programs and families. · Updates on Interfaith’s Escondido-based programs and services, including recovery and withdrawal management. · Firsthand insights from Interfaith’s “boots-on-the-ground” Homeless Outreach Team. RSVP to attend in person or virtually: CommunityForumRSVP ABOUT INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES: North County's largest social services agency since 1979. Over 70 programs empowering the hungry, homeless, and low-income community toward self-sufficiency. Interfaith provides support for more than 22,000 community members annually. interfaithservices.org/ |
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