FINANCIAL sextortion is a type of online blackmail that is on the rise, and primarily targets boys. It involves asking a victim for sexual images or videos and then threatening to share them with others unless the victim pays the offender.

Offenders pose as girls of a similar age and use fake accounts to target youth, deceiving them into sending explicit photos or videos. The offender then threatens to release the sexual materials unless the victim sends them money in the form of cash, crypto currency or gift cards. These offenders rely on threats and aggressive behaviour to get victims to send them what they want.

What to do if you are being financially sextorted:

• Stop all communication with the offender;
• Take a screen capture of the chat and the offender’s profile including username;
• Do not delete your social media account or images;
• If you sent images or videos, do not delete them;
• Do not comply with threats, do not send money or more images;
• Reach out to a trusted adult and report it to police.

If you need help, there are resources available to you:

• Cybertip.ca provides information on staying safe online and how to report any concerns. You can provide your name and contact information, or complete the form anonymously.
• How to make a claim about intimate images shared without your consent, Civil Resolution Tribunal Portal – BC Intimate Images Protection Act.
• Cybertip.ca also manages Project Arachnid. This program helps victims have their images removed if they are shared publicly.
• Don’t Get Sextorted has information on staying safe and getting help.
• Need Help Now provides information on emotional support, reporting, helping a friend, and answering frequently asked questions.
• Public Safety Canada provides youth, parents and caregivers with educational resources on Online Dangers, including sextortion.
• Kids Help Phone can provide urgent support in terms of emotional support and steps on what to do next.
• Canadians across the country can now call or text 9-8-8 for immediate and free mental health crisis support and suicide prevention intervention.
• The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has sextortion resources available to the public.
• The Department of Justice’s Victim Services Directory can provide information on resources in your community available to victims of online child sexual exploitation.