Law enforcement warn against online extortion, provide preventative tips

WORCESTER CO., Md. – The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office sounded the alarm on sexual extortion on children, through the internet.

Law enforcement agencies coined the phrase ‘sextortion,’ describing adults preying on adolescents online.

Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli said while sextortion is on the rise, his agency is working hard to educate parents, encouraging them to regulate phone use if they suspect someone may be targeting their child.

“It’s a grooming process. There are dangerous criminals lurking on the other end of this [computer], posing as a 12- or 13-year-old girl, or a 12- or 13-year-old boy,” Sheriff Crisafulli said. “They get in there and they start to gain the trust of our children, and then it leads to nefarious types of behaviors.”

Sheriff Crisafulli said if you think your child may be a victim of sexual extortion, you should contact your local law enforcement agency.