Talking.
The simple act, New Westminster police (NWPD) say, whether that's with a parent, guardian or officer, is the best course of action if a youth believes they are a victim of sextortion.
In a news release, NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Andrew Leaver explained the department has recently received "several reports of sextortion," which has prompted a public scam warning to local residents.
Leaver said this has included the exchange of intimate photos and video or engaging in "sexting" online.
Sextortion also involves someone threatening the other to send explicit photos and messages if they are not compensated or provide more sexual content.
“Often, sextortion cases remain unreported due to the sensitive nature of the images and the victim may often be too embarrassed to file a report,” added Leaver.
“Youth may also be hesitant to seek adult assistance and will often comply with threats to try and manage the situation on their own.”
With students now back in school, parents have also been encouraged to be cautious of the images their children post online.
Social media users are advised to switch theirs and their children’s profiles to private; not to post a minor’s full name, age, weight and other personal details; avoid the school name, teacher and/or division; and not share your child’s likes and dislikes.
Additionally, parents and guardians are encouraged to have conservations with kids about the risks of experimenting technologically with explicit photos and videos.
This can include deleting and blocking unsolicited messages from unknown people online.
NWPD lists the following tips if a youth believes they are being sextorted:
- Immediately stop all communication
- Deactivate (but do not delete) any of the accounts you are using to communicate with the individual
- Ask a parent or guardian for assistance
- Do not comply with the threat
- Never pay money and never send additional photos
- The situation will not get better by doing either of these things
- If money has been paid, check to see if it has been collected and, if not, quickly cancel the payment
- Never pay money and never send additional photos
- Keep the correspondence
- Keep information such as the person’s username(s), social media account information, a copy of the communications, along with any images and/or videos that were sent
New Westminster youth can also contact one of the following for more help:
- CMHA Distress Line – 403-327-7905 or toll free 1-888-787-2880
- Kids Help Line – 1-800-668-6868
Parents and guardians can visit cybertip!ca for more information regarding sextortion and sexting, including downloadable resources.
Anybody who believes they have been a victim of sexual exploitation is encouraged to contact NWPD at 604-525-5411 or call 9-1-1 if in an emergency.
With a file from Janis Cleugh, Tri-City News
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