Portsmouth, Va. (WAVY) – The impact of artificial intelligence on society is undeniable, with its influence ranging from healthcare and education to cybersecurity and our legal system. However, while AI brings numerous benefits, it has also given criminals an advantage in deceiving others. Financial sextortion, a form of crime where perpetrators attempt to extort victims using personal material such as explicit photos or videos, has become prevalent and now even targets minors. With advancements in technology, criminals are using deep fake technology to create fictitious images, videos, or audio recordings, using the victims’ likeness without their consent.
According to Jason Bilnoski, Assistant Special Agent In Charge at the FBI Norfolk, scammers now combine traditional business email compromises with deep fake technology, making their scams more convincing. They may send an email requesting money, followed by a phone call from someone pretending to be a known individual. This evolving form of financial sextortion typically begins on social media, where a fake account, often pretending to be romantically interested, engages male victims in conversation. Eventually, the scammer requests revealing or sexual images or videos. Once the exchange occurs, the scammer threatens to release the material unless the victim pays a certain amount of money. Last year alone, the FBI reported over 40,000 victims of such crimes, a number likely underestimated due to victims’ reluctance to report out of shame.
Several sextortion cases can be found in court documents in Virginia Beach, where victims have paid thousands of dollars to prevent exposure. However, Detective Preston Vaughan of the Virginia Beach Police strongly advises against paying scammers, as it often leads to more demands, with the scammer’s friend joining in the extortion. Vaughan emphasizes that not giving any money is the safest approach.
These cases demonstrate various methods used by scammers. In one instance, a local man believed he was in a long-distance relationship with a woman, regularly sending her money and exchanging nude photos. When he ended the relationship and developed feelings for someone else, the scammer threatened to release his photos unless he paid $500. In another case, a man exchanged personal photos with a young woman he believed was over 18. However, a scammer posing as the woman’s father contacted him, claiming she was a minor who attempted suicide after sending the photos. The man was told to pay for medical bills and a new laptop, or face a child pornography charge. He ended up paying over $3,000 and even attempted to take his own life.
AI has played a significant role in the evolution of financial sextortion. Scammers now have access to deep fake technology and artificial intelligence, allowing them to create fake images using publicly available media. Bilnoski points out that scammers can use what people post on social media to create realistic-looking images and videos, even if the victim has not sent any compromising material. This poses a significant threat, especially to juveniles, who are more vulnerable to such scams.
To combat financial sextortion, Vaughan highlights that most perpetrators operate outside the United States, making it a matter for federal agencies such as the FBI. The FBI collaborates with local, state, and international partners to locate and hold these criminals accountable. The increasing number of minor victims adds complexity to the issue, as scammers can face charges related to extortion, wire fraud, child pornography, and exploitation. The pandemic has worsened the situation for minors, as they spend more time online. Vaughan’s office handles both minor and adult cases and provides additional support to minors.
Vaughan emphasizes the importance of parents closely monitoring their children’s activities on social media. Although parents want to give their kids freedom, a simple mistake can have lasting effects on juveniles. Victims of financial sextortion often feel ashamed and hesitant to seek help due to the intrusive nature of the material being used against them. However, it is essential for victims to reach out for assistance.
In conclusion, the rise of financial sextortion and the use of AI technology by scammers have created a challenging landscape for law enforcement agencies. By maintaining close collaboration with various partners and providing support to victims, authorities aim to combat these crimes and protect individuals from falling victim to financial sextortion.
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