AI playing a role in rise of sextortion schemes, state police say

PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania State Police warns there’s been a “notable increase” in sextortion schemes and artificial intelligence is playing a role.

Sextortion, or sexual extortion, is when someone is threatened and coerced into sending sexually explicit images or money to a criminal that claims to already have a compromising image or video of the victim. If the victim doesn’t comply, the perpetrator threatens to share the explicit content. Victims are typically approached on social media dating apps or on gaming platforms. Perpetrators then use threats, money, lies and more to get the victims to comply.

State police say it’s not a new concept, but the number of new cases is on the rise, with more than 3,000 minor victims targeted last year alone.

PSP says the end goal in sextortion is to get additional explicit images, financial gain or harass the victim.

Artificial intelligence is now being used as a manipulation technique against victims, PSP says in a release. That’s because AI is used to alter photos stolen from someone’s social media into being sexually explicit. As of April, the FBI documented increasing reports of fictitious videos or images used in sextortion schemes.

PSP claims the number of reported sextortion cases is at its highest levels.

There are several ways people can avoid sextortion schemes. PSP recommends using caution when sharing information online, don’t send compromising photos, don’t accept friend requests from unknown people and end communication immediately when faced with extortion or threats.

Click here for more information from the FBI.

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