If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The rise of AI-generated “deepfakes” has fueled a surge in sextortion scams, akin to dry brush igniting a wildfire.
Recent data from the FBI indicates a staggering 322% increase in nationally reported sextortion cases between February 2022 and February 2023, with a notable spike since April attributed to the proliferation of AI-altered images.
Ordinary photos or videos shared on social media or through messages can be manipulated by artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit images that are incredibly realistic and challenging to distinguish, as highlighted by the FBI.
Perpetrators, often located in different countries, leverage these doctored AI images to coerce juveniles into providing money or explicit images, as reported by the FBI.
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Sextortion, as defined by the FBI, involves pressuring victims into sharing sexually explicit photos or videos under the threat of public exposure to family and friends.
The FBI’s June 5 PSA highlighted how malicious actors manipulate content to create sexually-themed images resembling the victim, circulating them on various platforms without the victim’s knowledge.
Tragically, at least a dozen sextortion-related suicides have been documented, with a significant number of victims being males aged 10 to 17, although cases involving even younger victims have been reported.
One heartbreaking case involved 17-year-old Gavin Guffey, who fell victim to a sextortion scam that ultimately led to his untimely death.
The surge in sextortion cases, exacerbated by the pandemic, has seen a 463% increase in reported incidents from 2021 to 2022, with the accessibility of AI tools further facilitating predators in their malicious activities.
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It is important to note that reported figures likely underestimate the true scale of the issue, as many victims choose not to report due to feelings of shame.
Alicia Kozak, a survivor of online exploitation, now educates students on internet safety, emphasizing the grave dangers of sextortion in today’s digital landscape.
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Kozak warns that AI advancements have made deepfakes more realistic and widespread, posing a significant threat to unsuspecting individuals.
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She stresses the importance of understanding the risks associated with AI technology and its potential for exploitation, particularly in cases of sextortion.
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According to Kozak, the prevalence of deepfakes has escalated the severity of sext
AI ‘deepfakes’ of innocent images fuel spike in sextortion scams, FBI warns
AI ‘deepfakes’ of innocent images are increasingly being used to fuel a spike in sextortion scams, according to a warning issued by the FBI. The rise of this disturbing trend has raised concerns about the potential for innocent individuals to be targeted and exploited by cybercriminals.
Rise of AI ‘deepfakes’
Deepfake technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, allowing cybercriminals to create realistic and convincing fake images and videos of people using artificial intelligence algorithms. These ‘deepfakes’ can be used to manipulate innocent images of individuals, making it appear as though they are engaging in illicit or compromising activities.
With the rise of social media platforms and the widespread sharing of personal photos online, cybercriminals have ample material to work with when creating these malicious deepfakes. Once a deepfake image is created, it can be used in sextortion scams to extort money or other forms of payment from victims.
Impact on victims
The use of AI ‘deepfakes’ in sextortion scams can have devastating consequences for victims. Not only may they be coerced into paying money to prevent the release of the fake images, but they may also experience significant emotional distress and reputational harm.
Victims of sextortion may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or fearful of the potential consequences of the images being released. In some cases, victims may even be driven to self-harm or suicide as a result of the trauma caused by the scam.
FBI warning
The FBI has issued a warning about the dangers of AI ‘deepfakes’ in sextortion scams, urging individuals to be cautious when sharing personal photos online. The bureau has advised people to take steps to protect their digital privacy and security, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being vigilant about the content they share on social media.
Protecting yourself
To protect yourself from falling victim to AI ‘deepfakes’ in sextortion scams, consider the following tips:
- Avoid sharing personal photos on social media platforms.
- Limit the amount of personal information you share online.
- Enable privacy settings on your social media accounts.
- Be cautious when communicating with strangers online.
- Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Case studies
One recent case involves a young woman who unknowingly had her photos stolen and used to create deepfake images that were then used in a sextortion scam. The victim was targeted by the cybercriminal, who threatened to release the fake images unless she paid a sum of money.
Fortunately, the victim reported the scam to the authorities, who were able to track down the perpetrator and bring them to justice. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant online and taking steps to protect your digital privacy.
Conclusion
The rise of AI ‘deepfakes’ in sextortion scams highlights the need for individuals to be cautious when sharing personal photos online. By taking steps to protect your digital privacy and security, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these malicious scams. If you believe you have been targeted in a sextortion scam, report the incident to the authorities immediately to prevent further harm.
