Teachers across Britain received a unique alert yesterday regarding ‘sextortion’ scams targeting students. The National Crime Agency issued a warning to all 570,000 primary and secondary teachers in the country, emphasizing the risk to children as young as five.
This marks the first time the NCA has sent out a national alert to schools, with experts calling it a necessary step to combat the growing ‘sextortion epidemic.’ Criminal gangs have seen a 266% increase in targeting children over the past two years, with 243 victims in 2020 rising to 890 in 2022.
These ruthless gangs from West Africa and South East Asia are using online platforms to deceive children into sharing intimate photos or videos under false pretenses of friendship or relationships. Subsequently, they threaten to expose these images to the victims’ friends and family unless a ransom is paid.
Tragically, at least three children have taken their own lives due to these scams. One such case involved Murray Dowey, 16, from Dunblane, Perthshire, who committed suicide after falling victim to a sextortion plot with possible ties to Nigeria.
Murray’s mother, Ros Dowey, urged other young victims not to follow her son’s path, emphasizing that no situation is worth taking one’s own life. She stressed that despite the fear and distress, things can be resolved.
The NCA’s alert provides guidance on identifying signs of abuse, supporting young people, and encouraging them to seek help. It also offers advice for parents on discussing sextortion with their children and supporting them if they become victims.
Overall, the message is clear: victims should not pay the blackmailers, block the offenders, and inform the authorities. The NCA and other organizations are working diligently to raise awareness and provide support to those affected by these malicious crimes.