The FBI is spreading a word of warning to parents, educators, caregivers, and children in
Utah about the dangers of online activity, specifically of Sextortion. Sextortion involves
an offender coercing a minor to create and send sexually explicit images or video. An
offender gets sexually explicit material from the child, then threatens to release that
compromising material unless the victim produces more or sends payment in the form of
gift cards, mobile payment services, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These offenders
are motivated by financial gain, not necessarily just sexual gratification. Victims are
typically males between the ages of 14 to 17, but any child can become a victim. For
financially motivated sextortion, offenders are usually located outside the United States
and primarily in west African countries or Southeast Asian countries. These crimes can
lead victims to self-harm and has led to suicide. There have been many cases in Utah,
including in the Uintah Basin. For more information on sextortion, visit the FBI’s
resources on the threats at fbi.gov/sextortion and fbi.gov/financialsextortion.
