Instagram identified as primary platform in rising cases of sextortion among young men

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBMA) — A national security group reports a shift in sextortion victims, with young men now the most frequent targets and Instagram the most popular platform for connecting with children.

What is sextortion? Predators manipulate a victim into sharing sexually explicit photos, then threaten to show them to friends and family if demands aren’t met. “It can happen to any family and any child,” warns U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama Prim Escalona.

“We see victims as young as eight years old. They range from about 8 years old to 17 years old. A lot of them are in their early teens of 12, 13, 14,” Escalona noted.

A recent case concluded in July when Aden Yeager, a student at the University of Alabama in Kentucky, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexual exploitation of minors. The government identified 19 victims in multiple states.

“This was a guy who had a great reputation in his hometown. He was seen as a good guy, a golden boy. Part of it was he just had a really bad side,” Escalona said.

The investigation began with a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Yeager was accused of luring a 15-year-old into sending him sexually explicit photos for $700.

In 60% of cases the perpetrator is known to the victim

“He used Instagram. Once he had one, he built it up. Sometimes friends and connections would take over a kid’s Instagram,” Escalona explained. And when the teen decided not to participate, Yaeger resorted to threats and intimidation.

Escalona says victims often feel like there is no way out; some have committed suicide. Parents she counsels need to be vigilant and know who their children are talking to.

In July, Meta removed 63,000 Instagram accounts registered in Nigeria and linked to sextortion scams.

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“I’m a working parent with four kids, so I totally get it. I know how hard it is. If you give your child one of these devices, ask them everything that’s on the device,” Escalona noted. That includes all passwords. Set up security and check the phone regularly. Delete apps that allow in-app messaging.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with the Advocacy Center in Huntsville to produce free, three- to five-minute videos to help parents. “They give you direct information on what to look for and resources in your community,” Escalona said.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEOS

According to experts, it is especially important for parents to talk to each other and make sure their children know they can talk to you if they have been a victim.

If you suspect or become aware of possible child sexual exploitation, contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports may also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.