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Let’s be honest — nobody wants to talk about this. As parents, grandparents, and caregivers, we’d much rather talk about school, sports, weekend plans, or anything other than uncomfortable topics. But here’s the tough truth:
Scammers hope we stay quiet. They count on kids — and even adults — feeling too embarrassed to tell anyone when something uncomfortable happens online. And when victims stay silent, scammers get exactly what they want - money.
That’s why this conversation isn’t just important — it’s necessary. Talking openly now can protect your family emotionally and financially.
Financial sextortion is a growing online scam where criminals trick people into sharing private or inappropriate photos or videos. They pretend to be someone friendly, often someone who seems like they’re the same age. Sometimes they use stolen pictures. Other times they use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create fake photos that look real.
Once scammers get what they want — they begin making threats.
They might say things like:
Kids and teens feel terrified when they hear these threats. Many are afraid of getting in trouble. Adults feel embarrassed, too. Scammers know this — and they use it to make their victims act quickly.
Unlike other online scams, sextortion is designed to emotionally trap the victim so criminals can steal money fast, often through:
And here’s why that matters: Once the scammer gets the money, it’s usually gone for good.
These transactions are difficult — and often impossible — for banks to recover after the criminal cashes out.
Unfortunately, it is very real. Across the country, reports of sextortion are rising quickly. Many families have no idea how common it is until someone they care about becomes a victim.
Scammers target both boys and girls, but teenage boys ages 14 to 17 are especially at risk because criminals often pretend to be girls their age. Adults are targeted too, especially through dating apps and social media.
Here’s the most important thing to remember:
Victims did nothing wrong. They were manipulated by someone who knew exactly how to earn their trust and use it against them.
That’s why we encourage families to talk about this early — before something happens. When kids understand what sextortion looks like, they are much less likely to fall for it.
It’s easy to assume sextortion is sexual in nature, but for scammers, it’s not. It’s about money — fast money.
Scammers treat sextortion like a business. They may reach out to dozens or even hundreds of kids a night. Whoever responds becomes the next target. They work to build trust quickly, then flip to threats just as fast.
Their goal is simple: Cause panic → Get paid → Move on to the next victim
And even worse? Paying them may not even end the problem.
Scammers may ask for more money. They often make new threats. And sometimes they share the images anyway. There is no “safe” number of payments. That’s why reporting early is so important.
Kids and teens often don’t realize how skillful online scammers can be. It’s easy for them to think:
Kids live a big part of their lives online — in games, apps, and social media. That makes it easy for scammers to reach them.
Even smart, careful kids can be tricked.
And unfortunately, many kids are more afraid of their parents being upset than they are of the scammer. Criminals know this, too — and they use that fear to keep victims quiet.
That’s why kids need reassurance:
If something goes wrong, they can come to you right away — with no fear, no punishment, and no shame.
Here are simple, practical steps to help keep your family safe online and protect your money:
1. Check Apps and Games Before Your Kids Use Them
Look at privacy and messaging settings. Many popular games and platforms— like Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, and Discord — allow private messages from strangers. Turning off private chat when possible lowers the risk dramatically.
2. Stay Involved in Their Online World
Make online conversations as normal as asking about school. Try:
Kids open up more when these chats feel natural.
3. Teach Kids It’s Okay to Say No
Make sure they know they can block or ignore anyone who makes them uncomfortable. They don’t owe anyone a reply.
4. Watch for People Asking Them to “Switch Apps”
If someone says:
That's a red flag. Scammers often switch platforms to hide from parental oversight.
5. Encourage Kids to Tell You Right Away If Something Feels Wrong
Tell them clearly: “You won’t be in trouble. I’m here to help, not punish.”
This message alone can stop a scam in its tracks.
6. Remind Them That Mistakes Happen
Let your child know they can talk to you even if they make a mistake. The earlier you know, the sooner you can step in — stopping more pictures from being sent, stopping the threats from growing, and preventing any money from being lost. No child should deal with these pressures alone.
7. Report Threats Immediately
If Your Child Is Being Threatened Online
The CyberTipline and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children offer help removing explicit images from the internet and supporting families in crisis.
Most sextortion payments happen through fast‑moving methods that are difficult to trace. Once money is sent, it’s usually impossible to recover. That’s why banks see sextortion as both a safety issue and a financial‑protection issue.
Here’s what makes sextortion different from many other scams:
Your bank is here to support you — not judge you. We want:
But the best protection starts at home, with open conversations and a safe place to talk. Trust is your strongest defense. Let your children know:
When kids feel safe coming to you, scammers lose their power. Financial sextortion affects emotions, safety, and money. But with awareness, honest conversations, and quick reporting, families can protect themselves. A child who feels safe talking is a child who is safer online — and a family less likely to lose money to online criminals.
To learn more about scams, visit this category on our CNext blog where our local experts share safety tips to help keep you informed: https://www.cnext.bank/blog/0/15/safety-tips
To learn more about keeping children safe online, visit the U.S. Department of Justice:
https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-ceos/keeping-children-safe-online
