Safety
The Sextortion Scam Going After Teen Boys
Sextortion is when someone tricks a kid into sending a nude photo and then threatens to send it to everyone they know unless the kid pays or sends more. It moves fast, often in a single night, and right now it's aimed mostly at teenage boys.
Why this matters for your kid
This isn't rare. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children took in more than 100 reports of it a day in 2025. The scammer usually pretends to be a cute girl about the same age, messages on Instagram, Snapchat or a game, moves fast to get one picture, and the second they have it, the friendly act turns into threats.
What it's like for your kid
They feel total panic and shame, which is exactly what the scammer is counting on, because a scared kid pays and doesn't tell anyone. It usually starts as a friendly DM on Instagram or Snapchat and turns threatening that same night. Most of the kids targeted are teenage boys, and the shame is the dangerous part, because it's what keeps them from telling anybody.
Say it before it happens
I'd talk to your kid about this one before it ever happens. Tell them that if anyone online ever gets a photo like this and threatens you, it's a scam, you're not in trouble, and you're not alone. Stop answering, don't pay, take screenshots, block them, and come straight to me. Hearing it ahead of time is what lets them come to you if it ever does happen.
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