FBI warns Georgia students about sextortion ahead of back-to-school season

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The FBI Savannah Field Office is reminding students and parents about sextortion as children and teens prepare to return to school.

The special agent in charge met with us at the FBI Savannah office Wednesday to discuss back-to-school safety topics, including cyber hygiene and hoax threats.

Georgia among top states for sextortion payments

Georgia ranks at the top of the list for money paid in sextortion schemes involving victims under the age of 20, according to the special agent in charge. Victims in Georgia paid approximately $3 million, out of $13 million paid nationwide.

Officials describe sextortion as one of the most rapidly growing threats facing students. The FBI’s top guidance for students: never share obscene photos online.

“Obviously kids in certain regions play certain games, but I think everyone needs to know it happens on the most. What you would think is the safest platform and it happens on the platforms that you think oh, that’s a little more egregious. It happens on all of them,” said Special Agent Marlo Graham.

FBI working with local agencies on cases

The special agent in charge said the FBI takes reports of sextortion seriously and works with local agencies to protect victims and identify those responsible.