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Trump offers darkness, Harris offers optimism on election eve in America; Despite the hype, noncitizens aren't voting in Wisconsin; KY labor unions want the next administration to support the PRO Act; the Future of public education is on the line in the NH governor's race.

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Trump escalates violent rhetoric against the press, Harris aims to reassure Michigan's Arab Americans angered by the war in Gaza, and a respected poll shows an unexpected lead for Harris in solidly red Iowa.

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A Cambodian poultry farmer who lost his livelihood could be a hero for others, rural Montanans are anxiously awaiting a court ruling over a climate lawsuit brought by young people, and Northeast states say more housing for working families could boost jobs.

FBI warns of increase in 'sextortion' schemes targeting teens

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Tuesday, January 23, 2024   

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the FBI says financially motivated sextortion -- often targeting teen boys -- went up 20% from October 2022 to March 2023 compared to the same period the year before.

Scammers will pose as an attractive girl on social media or gaming sites, ask the boy to send nude photos or videos, then threaten to post them online if the victim doesn't pay up. FBI Special Agent Curtis Cox said the threats often cause extreme mental anguish.

"That fear of being exposed that way causes these kids to panic, sometimes they attempt to make the payments, which is a big mistake," Cox explained. "It doesn't solve the problem; it only exacerbates it. And unfortunately, oftentimes we see this anxiety lead to self-harm or thoughts of suicide."

The FBI said between October 2021 and March 2023, the feds got more than 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors, involving more than 12,600 victims, which the agency said contributed to at least 20 suicides.

Cox asks parents to discuss sextortion with their kids -- and show compassion if their child has fallen prey.

"These kids are victims to criminals who know exactly what to say and what to do to get what they want," Cox continued. "If your kid does report this to you, don't judge. Don't be angry. Look at them as a victim and help them get the help and the resources that they need to get through this."

Victims can report the crime at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.


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