Hub Six

Sextortion and Image Sharing

Sextortion is a type of blackmail used to get sexual content from a child, force them into sexual activity or get money. It moves fast and is designed to make victims feel trapped. You are not alone, and you can ask for help.

Subject 01

What Sextortion Looks Like

Flattery, a photo, then threats and a deadline

  • It often starts with someone attractive and flattering who seems close to your age.
  • Once a photo is sent, the tone flips to threats: pay or it goes to your friends and family.
  • They create a short deadline so you panic instead of getting help.
  • Paying rarely ends it. They usually ask for more.

How fast it turns

Alex · Today 6:33 PM

You're really cute. I want to see ALL of you. Pic?

You are so hot! I just sent a pic... Check your DMs.

Alex

Send me $500 now or I'll send it to all your friends and family. I can ruin your life.

Alex

You have two hours to pay.

This isn't funny! Please don't!

Example from the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force and Wisconsin Department of Justice #StopSextortion campaign.
Subject 02

What to Do

Remember, it’s not your fault

  • Remember, it’s not your fault!
  • Show a parent or a trusted adult right away.
  • Do not pay money or comply with the blackmailer’s requests.
  • Report the account through the platform’s safety feature.
  • Block the suspect, but DO NOT DELETE the messages or your profile.
  • Report the crime to law enforcement or at Report.CyberTip.org.
Subject 03

Question…

Is it a big deal?

  • What do you think of a person who creates child pornography?
  • Is it a big deal?
  • A sexual image of anyone under 18, even a selfie, can legally be considered child sexual abuse material.
  • Creating, sending, asking for, saving or forwarding it can carry serious legal consequences, even between teens.

“I promise”

Bae

I can't stop thinking about you

i dont know? i don't want you showing my pic to your friends lol

Bae

i swear i won't show anyone

ever????

Bae

i promise

Promises do not control what happens to an image after it is sent.
Subject 04

Disorderly Conduct: Sexting Fines

City of Fond du Lac Ordinance No. 3798, Section 500-9

  • Sexting (17+): $691.00
  • Sexting (15–16): $691.00
  • Sexting (12–14): $500.00

Fine schedule, Section 500-9

ViolationAgeFine
Disorderly Conduct: Sexting17+$691.00
Disorderly Conduct: Sexting15–16$691.00
Disorderly Conduct: Sexting12–14$500.00

Section 500-9: Disorderly Conduct by Use of Telecommunication Device

“Telecommunication device” means any instrument, equipment, machine or other device that facilitates telecommunication, including but not limited to a computer, computer network, computer chip, computer circuit, scanner, telephone, cellular telephone, pager, personal communications device, radio, transponder, receiver, modem or device that enables the use of a modem. “Telecommunication message” means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature.

It shall be unlawful…

…for any person, with intent to harass, annoy or offend another, to send a telecommunication message to a telecommunication device and use any violent, abusive, indecent or profane language or image, or any other message which tends to cause or provoke a disturbance.

Subject 05

Distribution

Once it is sent, you lose control of it

  • Police investigated an incident at Margaretta High School in Castalia, Ohio, in which a 17-year-old girl allegedly sent nude pictures of herself to her former boyfriend.
  • After the two got into a fight, the pictures started circulating around the high school.
  • Everyone who forwards an image becomes part of the harm and can face charges.
  • If an image is sent to you, do not share it. Tell a trusted adult.
Subject 07

Take It Down

Remove nude or sexual images taken when you were under 18

  • Take It Down is a free service from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
  • It creates a digital fingerprint (a “hash”) of the image on your own device. The image itself is never uploaded or seen by anyone.
  • Participating platforms use that fingerprint to find and remove the image and stop it from being posted again.
  • You can use it anonymously, and a parent or trusted adult can help.
Subject 08

StopNCII

For adults 18+: stop non-consensual intimate image abuse

  • StopNCII.org helps adults whose intimate images are being shared, or threatened to be shared, without consent.
  • Like Take It Down, it creates a hash on your device so the image never leaves your phone.
  • Partner platforms use the hash to detect and block the image.
  • If you are under 18, use Take It Down instead.
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