Bloomberg investigative reporter Olivia Carville discusses the alarming trend of scammers catfishing teen boys and driving some to suicide. The podcast sheds light on the tragic consequences of online extortion schemes targeting vulnerable individuals, the impact on victims and their families, and efforts to combat these online crimes.
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Quick takeaways
Sextortion, a growing crime targeting teen boys, leads to tragic outcomes and highlights online vulnerability.
Parents play a crucial role in safeguarding teenagers online, emphasizing the need for open communication and vigilance.
Deep dives
Cyber Extortion Targeting Teens
Jordan Demay, a high school senior, fell victim to a horrific cybercrime involving extortion tactics. He engaged in a conversation with someone on Instagram who coerced him into sharing explicit photos, leading to blackmail for money. Despite exhibiting no prior signs of depression, Jordan faced relentless threats that ultimately drove him to take his own life.
Investigative Process and Revelations
Following Jordan's tragic death, investigators discovered the malicious intent behind the Instagram exchange. Law enforcement traced the perpetrator to Lagos, Nigeria, uncovering a scheme orchestrated by two brothers posing as a teenage girl online. The case shed light on the alarming trend of cyber extortion targeting vulnerable teenagers across North America.
Legal Actions and Parental Advocacy
Jordan's parents pursued legal action against social media platforms, holding them accountable for facilitating criminal activities. The perpetrators were successfully extradited and pleaded guilty to exploiting teenagers online. Jordan's mother emphasizes the importance of parental dialogue on online safety, urging vigilance and support for children facing digital threats.
In a frightening trend, scammers are catfishing teen boys and trying to extort them — and there have been tragic outcomes. The FBI says this type of crime, which it calls “sextortion,” is one of the fastest growing crimes targeting children in the US.
Today, host David Gura talks to Bloomberg investigative reporter Olivia Carville about how teen boys are targeted online — and how these crimes impact the victims and their families.
This episode discusses sensitive topics, including suicide. If you or someone you know needs help with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, a global list of help lines is available here.