How a Perth father fought his teen's sextortion blackmailer
A 15-year-old Perth boy was sextortion blackmailed after sharing intimate images online.
A Perth teenager spent weeks in secret distress as a sextortion victim facing demands to pay money or have his intimate image shared. Jayden, 15, met someone online on Snapchat.
The scammer sent nude pictures and asked Jayden to do the same. After he sent a photo showing his face, the person demanded money.
The first demand was $50. The scammer threatened to send the image to everyone at his school.
Grant discovered the blackmail. He confronted the scammer by phone and message.
He made threats of his own. The criminal responded with mocking emojis.
Eventually they blocked the number after Grant tried calling repeatedly. This scam usually targets young Australians.
It spreads through encrypted apps like Snapchat and Telegram. Demands often start small.
This suggests the operators work from overseas. Small sums have more value there.
- 15
- Victim age
- $50
- Initial demand
- Snapchat then Telegram
- Primary platform
Why it mattersSextortion is a growing threat to Australian youth. It has confirmed links to teenage suicides.
AustraliaTwo Australian teenagers have died by suicide after sextortion: Melbourne's Mac Holdsworth in 2023 and Ballarat's Rohan Cosgriff a year earlier, prompting calls for better awareness and support for affected teens.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 28 min ago
