Track 1 · Grades 9–10 · Module 3 of 6

Sextortion — What Every Teen Must Know

Sextortion is the fastest-growing cybercrime targeting teens. It is not your fault. There is always a way out. This module covers recognition, response, and resources — required under NC HB 959.

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What Is Sextortion

The Crime, Defined Plainly

Sextortion is when someone threatens to share your private or sexual images or information unless you give them something — more images, money, or continued contact. It is a crime. It is not your fault. And it is one of the fastest-growing cybercimes targeting people your age.

82%

increase in reports of online enticement of minors in two years (NCMEC)

15–17

the peak age range for sextortion targeting

100%

of victims who reported to law enforcement experienced no image sharing afterward in documented cases

How It Typically Starts

Step 1: Targeting. The perpetrator identifies a victim — usually on gaming platforms, Instagram, Snapchat, or dating apps. They create a fake profile that appears attractive and age-appropriate.

Step 2: Grooming. They build trust over days or weeks — complimenting you, sharing interests, escalating intimacy gradually. This can feel like a real connection.

Step 3: Image acquisition. They request or manipulate you into sharing an intimate image, or claim to already have one (often fabricated).

Step 4: The threat. They threaten to share the image with your family, school, or contacts unless you send money or more images. The threats escalate.

Critical fact: Complying NEVER makes it stop. Every payment or additional image increases the perpetrator's leverage and their confidence that you will comply again. The only effective response is to stop contact and report.

If This Is Happening to You Right Now

You Are Not Alone. Here Is What to Do.

Stop contact with the person immediately. Do not send more images or money. Save the evidence (screenshots of threats and messages). Then contact one of these resources:

NCMEC CyberTipline

1-800-843-5678 · cybertipline.org · Available 24/7 · Reports go directly to law enforcement

FBI Online Tips

tips.fbi.gov · For financial sextortion crimes

StopNCII.org

Free tool to prevent intimate images from spreading online — works across major platforms

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 · If you are in emotional distress

Recognition Activity

Recognize the Playbook

Each of these is a real tactic used in sextortion cases. Tap each to understand what it signals and what to do.

Key Principle

What Never Works — and What Always Does

Never Works

• Sending more images
• Sending money
• Continued contact
• Begging them to stop
• Staying silent and hoping

Always Do

• Stop contact immediately
• Screenshot the threats
• Tell a trusted adult
• Report to NCMEC or FBI
• Use StopNCII.org

Module Quiz

Test Your Understanding

8 questions — no limit on attempts.

Parent & Educator Information →