Three reports of attempted sextortion targeting teen boys across PEI were reported to PEI RCMP in recent days. The boys were targeted online on social media platforms where strangers pose as age-appropriate girls asking for sexual photo swaps; they then threaten to show these photos to the victims's friends and family if the boys don't pay. They can even ask for a picture of the teen's room, and they will superimpose a sexual image into that bedroom and try to extort the teen.
In 2023 RCMP in PEI received 63 reports of Sextortion and from January 1st to November 16th 2024 there were 34 reported cases. Police believe this crime is highly underreported, and the number of cases could be much higher.
"These criminals exploit people through explicit images or videos. They manipulate and threaten their victims—often children or teenagers—into providing money or gift cards," says Cpl Robert Yaschuk of the RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit. "Young victims are often too scared or embarrassed to seek help from a trusted adult. Tragically, law enforcement worldwide has witnessed cases where this exploitation has driven victims to take their own lives. We urge parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children, make sure they know about this crime and the risks of this behaviour, and reassure them that they can always turn to you for support."
Children and guardians are urged to protect themselves from such scams. Some actions families can take include:
- Not accepting social media friend requests from strangers
- Avoid sharing intimate images and videos online
- Talk about how you would handle such a situation
- Check out to NeedHelpNow.ca for many other useful resources
- Ensure that your social media settings are as private as possible and turn off location-based services
If your child has been targeted:
- Report it to your nearest RCMP detachment or local police.
- Immediately stop all communication with the suspect.
- Ensure you and your child do not comply with the threat.
- Keep any correspondence between you or your child and the suspect.
- Remember that you are not alone; there is help.
The RCMP would also like to remind Islanders that they're able to report child exploitation online and seek support at www.cybertip.ca. The Cybertip website also allows people to subscribe to alerts, including new trends and safety tips for communicating with others online.