Sextortion targeting teens is online blackmail where criminals — often in organised networks — pose as attractive peers and build rapport before persuading the victim to share intimate images.
Once an image is obtained, they immediately switch to threats: pay money or produce more images, or the content will be shared with the victim's contacts, school, or parents.
The FBI reported a 300% increase in cases targeting boys aged 14–17. Victims are told that paying will stop the abuse — it will not. Shame and fear of exposure is the weapon used against them.