Albuquerque FBI warns parents, teens of increase in sextortion cases – KRQE News 13

FBI data suggests 143% increase in reports of sextortion crimes so far in 2022, compared to same time in 2021

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) Albuquerques FBI field office is warning New Mexico teens and parents about an increase in the number of so-called sextortion cases. According to the FBI, thats when suspects convince victims to take part in explicit sexual activity over social media, then use that media against the victims to gain more.

Nearly halfway through 2022, the Albuquerque FBI Division says its already received 107 reports of the sexual-extortion cases. The FBIs data suggests a 143% increase in the number of reports between January and May of 2022, compared to the same time in the previous year. In 2021, Albuquerques FBI field office received 126 total reports, with just 44 coming between January and May 2021.

According to the FBI, suspects in sextortion cases often record or keep the sexually explicit content victims produce. With that material, the FBI says suspects, or predators try to get money, additional sexual material, or other things of value from the victim.

In response to the FBIs concern of the situation becoming more prevalent, the Albuquerque field office has, in part, launched a new electronic billboard campaign with messages urging teens to be cautious online. The message reads, the internet connects your kids to the world be careful online this summer. The billboard also features the FBI seal and Albuquerque Public Schools logo, alongside a link to an FBI website: fbi.gov/safekids.

The FBI says sextortion usually begins when an adult contacts a minor over an online platform used to meet and communicate, such as a game, app, or social media account. Typically, victims are between the ages of 14 to 17 years old.

Coercion of a child by an adult to produce sexually explicit media made by minor is whats considered Child Sexual Abuse Material, or CSAM, according to the FBI. The federal law enforcement agency says penalties for the crime can include up to a life sentence in prison.

Investigating sex crimes, the Albuquerque FBI Division created a Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in April 2020. That unit is made up of representatives from the FBI, the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office, Second Judicial District Attorneys Office, U.S. Attorneys Office, New Mexico Attorney Generals Office, New Mexico State Police, and Albuquerque Police Department.

The FBI offers the following tips for parents and teens to protect themselves online:

According to the FBI, If you believe you or someone you know is the victim of sextortion:

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Albuquerque FBI warns parents, teens of increase in sextortion cases - KRQE News 13