DO NOT PAY: Important tips on how to manage sexual extortion as over 1000 Aussie kids are scammed each month

Police suspect that more than 1000 Australian children are being threatened with financial sextortion each month and are expressing “serious safety and wellbeing concerns” for young people — following a spate of youth suicides — who are ensnared in the exploitative online scam.

Here are some important tips on how to manage sexual extortion.

HOW TO MANAGE SEXUAL EXTORTION

• Be mindful of any approaches on social media for a “sexy chat” by people you don’t know.
• If you think you may have fallen prey to a sexual extortion chat, stop the chat immediately.
• Next, tell someone you trust. Dealing with sexual extortion can be deeply distressing but it’s worse on your own. Talking to someone can help you to clear your head.
• Take screenshots as evidence of the text and profile, and record the user URL.
• Report the blackmailer’s account to the platforms where the initial approach occurred.
• If you’re under 18, report it to the ACCCE (https://www.accce.gov.au/report). This constitutes child sexual exploitation and its specialist investigators will make sure you get the help you need
• If you’re over 18 and your intimate images have been shared, report it to eSafety.gov.au/report
• Seek mental health support if required.
• If you’re in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800

Here’s what you should not do (as it can make things worse):

• DO NOT pay. If you’ve already paid, don’t pay any more.
• DO NOT respond to any demands or messages. Block and ignore.
• DO NOT send more images or videos.