The Oregon Department of Justice has reported a significant increase in online child "sextortion" and solicitation investigations over the past four years. The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force noted an 857% rise in cyber tips related to these crimes from 2020 to 2024, according to data received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
"This is a huge problem and the biggest issue that we're dealing with right now when it comes to kids," said Mark Williamson, assistant chief criminal investigator with ICAC. He highlighted the severe impact on children and their families who are targeted by online predators.
Typically, families only become aware of such situations after a tragedy occurs. In many cases, children form friendships with individuals online who then demand money under the threat of releasing explicit images. These incidents often remain hidden as children feel embarrassed or unsure about how to handle them.
Williamson explained that perpetrators usually gain children's trust through social media before asking for explicit photographs. The predator, often using a fake identity, subsequently extorts money by threatening to distribute these images widely.
Attorney General Dan Rayfield expressed concern over the troubling statistics in Oregon. "Our investigators are dedicated to combating online threats," he stated, emphasizing their collaboration with national and international counterparts to secure justice for affected children and families.
Under Rayfield's leadership as Speaker of the House last year, additional funding was secured for ICAC. This expansion allowed the task force to grow significantly, clear backlogged cases, and enhance outreach efforts aimed at prevention through education for law enforcement and communities.
"That is a big component of what we're doing – trying to prevent these incidents from happening," said Williamson regarding educational initiatives targeting both children and adults.
In recognition of Safer Internet Day on February 11th, ICAC's Online Child Exploitation Prevention Initiative released a resource guide titled "10 Best Practices for Internet Safety Programs." NCMEC also offers resources on how families can manage instances of sextortion or remove inappropriate images from the internet.
"One of my biggest priorities as attorney general is keeping children and families safe," Rayfield affirmed. He stressed the importance of providing tools that empower victims while warning suspects about inevitable consequences once apprehended.