Sextortion Scams Surge, Targeting Teenage Boys Globally

National Crime Agency issues urgent guidance as cases more than double, urging schools and parents to combat the escalating threat.

Sextortion cases involving teenage boys have more than doubled globally, with a significant impact on the victims' mental health.
Criminal gangs, primarily from West Africa and Southeast Asia, are exploiting social media to target young people in the Five Eyes countries.
The National Crime Agency has issued fresh guidance to teachers and parents on spotting and addressing signs of sextortion.
Technology companies are urged to implement stronger safeguards to protect users from sexual extortion.
Victims are advised to cease communication, block perpetrators, and preserve evidence for reporting to authorities.