Sextortion on the rise among teens
Canada's online child exploitation tipline is alerting the public of a significant spike in "sextortion" cases involving teens. According to CyberTip.ca, there has been a 62 per cent increase in such incidents reported to them over the last six months.
Stephen Sauer, Director of CyberTip.ca, says the term "sextortion" refers to obtaining sexual images from a person in order to blackmail them into paying a ransom or providing more images. Sauer says extortionists have been using social media to exploit teenagers - the vast majority being boys between the ages of 15 and 17.
"It's not hard for them to be manipulated based on 'bait videos' or videos that are created to appear to be a similar aged peer," says Sauer. "And the individual on the other end is very adept at using the tactics that they have at their hands."
Sauer says those tactics include building a long-term, online relationship with the victim and collecting intimate images over time.
According to Sault Ste. Marie Police Detective Sergeant Jack Rice, who heads the force's Technological Crimes Unit, says there's been increase locally in this type of crime. He adds victims often find it difficult to come forward.
"They're embarrassed by what's happened, they're embarrassed by the subject matter and what they've had to go through," says Rice.
"Some of them have had their material sent out to other persons, and so basically exploited. Some have paid money, and that still happened because they haven't paid enough money."
Rice encourages young people to be careful when they're online, adding it's important for parents and children to maintain an open dialogue.
"Keep that avenue of communication open with your kids so that the kids are free to talk to them about the circumstances when they happen and that parents can also talk to them back about what to do," says Rice. "Don't pay the ransom. Make sure you contact the authorities."
If a person finds themselves a victim of online sexual exploitation, CyberTip.ca recommends that you stop talking to the extortionist, save all communications, and contact law enforcement directly or through the cyber tipline.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.