Teenage boys in Northern Ireland defrauded via AI-generated sextortion threats, with one recovering funds after payment
Summary
Sextortion scammers are using AI to create fake naked images of teenage boys in Northern Ireland, threatening to share the images unless money is paid. The scammers typically demand small amounts, such as £100, and have targeted several families in recent months. One teenager sent £100 after being threatened with the release of AI-generated images but was able to recover the money with police assistance. Safer Schools NI reported that three to four families have come forward with similar incidents, and police have been notified. Scammers have also targeted schools by harvesting images from websites and social media to create sexualized content for blackmail. The PSNI reported a peak of around 70 sextortion reports per month in 2023, though recent averages have dropped to about 35 per month.
Incident Details
Harms involving the exploitation, abuse, or endangerment of minors, including CSAM and grooming.
Sources
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