FBI warns of increase in sextortion cases targeting teenagers

The FBI has reported a substantial increase in the number of cases involving children and teens being threatened and coerced into sending explicit images online—a crime called sextortion. Children are being targeted using email, gaming devices and other apps, often encouraging victims to move to a secondary messaging platform after making initial contact. Sextortion, like other forms of abuse, can lead to changes in a student's mood, behaviors, and school performance. As a reminder, Board Policy 1030 - Child Abuse and Neglect outlines employees, contractors and volunteers responsibilities for the handling and reporting of suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult student and more information about the child abuse reporting procedures can be found on the Student Support Resources and Information Canvas community.

! Call to Action: Take a moment to learn how sextortion works so you are aware of how this occurs and possible warning signs.. Information, resources, and conversation guides are available at fbi.gov/StopSextortion.

General Information Regarding Phishing Emails:
As always, staff should maintain a heightened state of awareness and caution when receiving external email messages containing hyperlinks and attachments. Employees are encouraged to report any suspected HCPSS communications by contacting abuse@hcpss.org. Do not forward any messages that you suspect may contain sensitive information or imagery.

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