In a frightening trend, scammers are catfishing teen boys and trying to extort them — and there have been tragic outcomes. The FBI says this type of crime, which it calls “sextortion,” is one of the fastest growing crimes targeting children in the US. 

Today, host David Gura talks to Bloomberg investigative reporter Olivia Carville about how teen boys are targeted online — and how these crimes impact the victims and their families.

This episode discusses sensitive topics, including suicide. If you or someone you know needs help with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, a global list of help lines is available here.

Read More: Scammers are targeting teenage boys on social media—and driving some to suicide

In a frightening trend, scammers are catfishing teen boys and trying to extort them — and there have been tragic outcomes. The FBI says this type of crime, which it calls “sextortion,” is one of the fastest growing crimes targeting children in the US. 
Today, host David Gura talks to Bloomberg investigative reporter Olivia Carville about how teen boys are targeted online — and how these crimes impact the victims and their families. This episode discusses sensitive topics, including suicide. If you or someone you know needs help with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, a global list of help lines is available <a href="https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/">here</a>. Read More: <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-sextortion-teen-suicides/?srnd=undefined">Scammers are targeting teenage boys on social media—and driving some to suicide</a>

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Each weekday, Big Take brings you a story - one big, important story. We talk to Bloomberg journalists around the world, experts and the people at the center of the news to help you understand what's happening, what it means and why it matters. Money, politics, the economy and business, energy, the environment, technology - we cover it all.

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The Disturbing Extortion Scheme Targeting Teen Boys

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/2d683b72-3ab4-456e-ae19-b15401718199/transcript

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