Right now, in communities across America, children and teens are being targeted in the dark corners of the internet and sometimes by people they already know.
It’s called sextortion, and it’s one of the fastest-growing threats facing our youth.
We’re not just seeing this overseas. It’s happening here in the U.S.—in every state, every school, every phone or gaming device with internet access.
At Aerial Recovery, we’ve helped train law enforcement and rescue victims of trafficking all over the world. What’s shocking is how often these cases begin online, in what seem like normal conversations, until it’s too late.
💔 The Real Story: Jordan DeMayJordan was a 17-year-old football player in Michigan. He thought he was talking to a girl on Instagram. After sharing one explicit photo, the messages turned dark. The scammer demanded $1,000 or they’d release the photo to his friends and family.
“Send the money, or everyone sees this.”
“You’re done.”
“Kill yourself.”
Jordan tried to pay, sending $300. But the threats escalated. The emotional weight became too much. Just hours later, he took his own life.
His story is tragic—but tragically not unique as this is the fastest growing tactic for scammers & exploiters.
How predators are exploiting teens in the U.S. :
- They pretend to be a friend, romantic interest, or talent scout
- Use flattery, fake photos, or offer money, drugs, or clothes to build trust
- Often they already know the child, school acquaintances, family friends, even neighbors
- Once they get one image, the blackmail begins
- “Send more or I’ll post this.”
- “Pay up or I’ll ruin your life.”
- “I’ll hurt myself if you don’t do what I say."
- They threaten violence, exposure, or even to harm themselves if the child doesn’t comply.
We’ve worked dozens of cases where kids were blackmailed into producing hundreds of images and videos.
Some were trafficked.
Others attempted suicide from the shame and fear.
🛡️ How can we protect our kids?
This isn’t just a safety issue. It’s a national crisis. And we’re not standing by.
Aerial Recovery is training parents, equipping law enforcement, and helping develop trauma-informed approaches to prevent sextortion and rescue victims.
But we can’t do it alone.
👉 Share this artcile. Start the conversation. Protect a life.
If you want to be part of the solution: Click here to support our anti-trafficking efforts.
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Let’s protect our kids.
Let’s expose the tactics.
Let’s end sextortion.
