P.A. teachers and advocates spreading the word following a rise in sextortion reports in Sask.

“In the reported cases, victims were approached by individuals who identified as females of a similar age online or through apps targeting teenage audiences,” the RCMP said in a release.

“Once initial contact was made, the victims were asked for their Instagram username and to exchange intimate photos. The photos were then used as blackmail in exchange for financial gain.”

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the RCMP said, the ICE unit (Internet Child Exploitation) responded to 931 cases. In 2023-24, that number is expected to surpass 1,000.

Speaking with paNOW, Staff Sgt. Scott Lambie with the RCMP’s Major Crimes branch said parents need to be vigilant in talking to their kids about this scam and why it’s dangerous.

“There’s two parts to this scam, one being the child pornography side, because if you’re under 18, you shouldn’t be doing this and they shouldn’t be requesting it and then there’s the whole extortion side, which is the financial side, which is actually what these scammers are after is they want the money.”

He added that no one, whether an adult or child, should send nude images or videos online as they’re hard to retrieve and remove from cyberspace.

While Lambie said they are working with Cybertip.ca, which is run by The Canadian Centre for Child Protection in spreading the message about the dangers of sextortion.

In Prince Albert, the Sexual Assault Centre is also doing its part to inform students and parents about sextortion and what to do if someone feels they are being scammed.

Executive Director Vicki Stewart said although they can’t make in-person presentations in schools because of recent government changes, they can still ensure kids get the information.

“We would provide that information to teachers and say this is what you want to make sure you’re teaching,” she said. “Always better when we can go in person and see people but it is what it is, you just make it work.”

“Our goal is just to get that information in the community.”

Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division (SRPSD) said it still provides resources to students that address online safety at age-appropriate levels. This includes a digital library and other resources for students and teachers through Media Smarts.

“Should a student require help in their online interactions school and division staff are equipped to work with families to report and support as appropriate,” the SRPSD said in a statement.

Unfortunately, Lambie said these types of crimes are underreported because kids don’t want to talk about it to their parents and parents only report it if they have seen any pictures or videos.

Aside from talking to children about sextortion, Lambie pointed out that parents will often see a change in their children’s behaviour if they are being scammed.

“Are they going to be frantically needing some money? It’s not a lot of money, but It’s probably more than what they have. Then they’re going to have to send it to somebody online,” he said. “They probably won’t even tell you the reason and they have to maybe go and buy a bunch of gift cards that you’ve never heard of before and things like that.”

If you feel you are scammed into sending nude images or videos, you’re asked to report it to RCMP or your local police or at cybertip.ca.

–With files from 980 CJME

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Craddock

P.A. teachers and advocates spreading the word following a rise in sextortion reports in Sask.

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