Bailiwick residents are increasingly facing ‘Sextortion’ with teenagers and young adults, and boys and men in particular, most at risk.
‘Sextortion’ is a type of online blackmail where criminals threaten to share pictures, videos, or information of a sexual nature, unless you pay them money.
A spokesperson for Bailiwick Law Enforcement said it’s a growing problem across the UK, and here in Guernsey and the smaller islands as well.
BLE warned that recent developments in AI have resulted in criminals using the technology to extort cash from potential victims.
“Increasingly, AI image generators, AI editing tools, and specific apps are being used to create images to be used to blackmail victims,” said the BLE spokesperson said.
Reported cases across the Bailiwick show a spike in the 14-18 and 18-30 age groups, and that young men and boys are the usual target of such attempts, although anyone could be targeted reiterated BLE.
The spokesperson added that the risk facing younger residents is partly due to the fact that “nearly all” of Guernsey’s teenage population engage online through either social media or gaming.
“It is essential for all families to be aware of the risks sextortion scams pose,” said the BLE spokesperson, a warning echoed by Guernsey’s Digital Safety Development Officer Laura Simpson.
“Sextortion is a crime which is ultimately about money,” she said. “The criminals involved are not technologically sophisticated but know how to emotionally manipulate victims into believing they have no choice but to pay up. This crime plays on the feelings of guilt and shame, which makes it easy to isolate teenagers.”
Ms Simpson continued: “Through our schools’ programme, we have shared information and advice about avoiding sextortion, and would encourage anyone who may have been victim of this type of crime to report it.”
The schools’ programme including PSHE lessons focused on the risks of sextortion, alongside police presentations including workshops, assemblies, staff awareness training, and parent and carer forums.
PC Nick Boughay, Police Schools Liaison Officer, said it’s important the message about the risks of sextortion are shared with everyone, not just teenagers who might face the highest chances of being a victim.
“Many parents may find it difficult, or even embarrassing, to talk to their children about sexually coerced extortion. Our advice is to treat it like any other aspect of parenting, with open, honest conversations.
“As parents, we need to look out for signs that something might be wrong, and as we think of all the potential things it could be, add into that ‘could it be something online?’”
