Financial extortion cases resulting in the victimization of teens have been linked to Nigeria and other African nations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a public service announcement last month regarding the targeting of minors by violent online networks, citing one known as 7-6-4. The bureau reported that financially motivated “sextortion” is on the rise, primarily through messages on Instagram and Snapchat.
The FBI stated, “These networks methodically target and exploit minors and other vulnerable individuals, and it is imperative the public be made aware of the risk and the warning signs exhibited by victims.“
The release continued, “These networks use threats, blackmail, and manipulation to coerce or extort victims into producing, sharing, or live-streaming acts of self-harm, animal cruelty, sexually explicit acts, and/or suicide. The footage is then circulated among members of the network to continue to extort victims and exert control over them.“
The FBI added, “These networks exist on publicly available online platforms, such as social media sites, gaming platforms, and mobile applications commonly used by young people. Many threat actors systematically target underage females, but anyone — juveniles, adults, males, and females — can be targeted. Victims are typically between the ages of 10 and 17 years old, but the FBI has seen some victims as young as 9 years old.“
The bureau encouraged “increased vigilance when posting personal photos, videos, or personal identifying information, or direct messaging online“ and “recommends looking for warning signs indicating a victim may be engaging in self-harm or having suicidal thoughts.“
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Director Kash Patel to receive God’s wisdom as he heads the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- For U.S. officials in the Internet Crime Complain Center as they seek to protect children and teens from exploitation by violent online networks.
Sources: Internet Crime Complaint Center, Daily Wire
