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Protecting Youth from Extortion Scams

Fraud & Security Center Article
A boy in a red sweatshirt looking at a phone

What Parents and Guardians Need to Know

What is an Extortion Scam?

Extortion scams often begin with an unexpected text, direct message (DM), or online chat from someone pretending to be a young person. The conversation may seem harmless at first, but over time the scammer begins to pressure the victim to share intimate images. The scammer then uses threats, fear, urgency and embarrassment to demand money, often in small amounts ($100-300) in gift cards.

Who is the Target?

Extortion scams are on the rise across Montana. While anyone can be a target, males in their teens to early twenties are the main target.

What are the Warning Signs?

  • Sudden secrecy or distress after receiving a message.
  • Urgent or unusual requests for money, often with little explanation.
  • Deleting messages or accounts unexpectedly.

What can I do?

Teach the teens and young adults in your life about the warning signs. Let them know that scams like this happen, and that they can come to you for help without fear of judgment. If something has already happened, reassure them that support is available.

Prevention Tips for Teens or Young Adults

  • Don’t Send Intimate Photos to anyone, not even people you know in real life.
  • Make Your Social Media Private. Set your account to Private and keep personal information private like your real name, birthdate, school, and phone number.
  • Remain Calm. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to pressure someone into paying. Staying calm and getting help right away can make it easier to respond safely.
  • Talk to Someone You Trust like parents, a teacher, coach, youth leader, or a friend’s parent. Share the details you’re comfortable with and ask them to help you with next steps.

If Your Teen or Young Adult May be Involved in a Scam:

  • Remind your teen or young adult they’re not alone and that help is available.
  • Stop responding to the scammer.
  • Save all messages or screenshots, if possible.
  • Contact your financial institution if you have sent money.
  • Report the scam to local law enforcement and the FTC at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov