GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Local police and the Green Bay Area School District joined Emplify Health by Bellin to raise awareness of an online scam known as ‘sextortion.’
According to the release, these scams often involve people who pose as members of the opposite sex, targeting teenagers and young adults. These scammers start conversations with victims before persuading them to exchange sexual content.
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“Do not send any images or videos to someone you do not know,” Police Commander Rick Belanger said. “Sextortion scammers prey on trust and will threaten/intimidate to make private content public unless specific demands are met.”
Superintendent Vicki Bayer added in a release that children are encouraged to reach out to a trusted adult, no matter who it may be, if they are victims of these crimes.
Some cases do not make headlines, which makes the full impact of these scams hard to know; however, a recent case reportedly led to a teenager’s death in Wisconsin.
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“Sextortion scams rely on embarrassment and isolation. Predators trick victims into thinking they are alone and cannot escape,” Pediatric Psychologist Tiffany Born said. “But you are not alone. If you or someone you know has become a victim of sextortion, please reach out to a loved one or professional.”
Anybody who is in need of mental support or the crisis lifeline is urged to either call 988 or click this link.
