Louisiana Among States Hit Hardest by Teen Sextortion Scams

KNGT | Louisiana — This is just one more unfortunate instance of the extortion and exploitation that sadly affects our youth. The well-being of many young people nationwide is seriously threatened by this unsettling trend, which has been expanding quickly. Louisiana, which ranks among the states most severely impacted by such horrible acts, has been particularly badly hit. Devastating effects have been felt by families and communities, leaving those affected with lifelong scars.

Parents in Louisiana are being alerted by FBI authorities about the danger our children face. The term "sextortion" is used by investigators to describe the practice of a predator enticing a minor to produce and transmit sexually graphic photos or videos.

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What do Louisiana Residents need to know about Sextortion?

"Sextortion" can start on any website, app, or platform, the FBI cautions.

Two forms of "sextortion" are known to exist, the FBI says. "Financial sextortion" is another form of "sextortion" that is becoming more prevalent in Louisiana and elsewhere. The adult predator then threatens the child, saying that if the child doesn't keep making recordings and pictures, they would release the content.
According to FBI.gov, the FBI claims that the number of these cases has significantly increased.

For onefamily, "sextortion" has already resulted in the terrible death of a young person. According to WBRC-TV, the family dealt with "sextortion" before losing their child to suicide. As a bereaved father, Brian Montgomery now works to inform other parents before it's too late. Walker, the 16-year-old son, died after responding to an Instagram chat request under the mistaken impression that he was speaking to a beautiful woman.

It serves as a sad reminder of how urgently comprehensive plans to fight this disease are needed. There may be hope for significant change now that President Trump and top officials have united to provide leadership at the federal and state levels. Stronger legislation, better mental health care for victims, and more aggressive efforts to find and bring charges against those who prey on our children could result from their combined power and dedication.