The podcast content may contain sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.Financial sextortion is not the “online danger” our kids grew up hearing about. It is a new, global, industrial scale crime and many young males across the U.S. are already being targeted. Most families have never even heard of it or how it works and that silence is costing lives.This episode of the Protect & Prevent Podcast, P3Kids, is a wake up call for parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, youth leaders, really anyone who cares about young people. Because unless adults understand this crime, we cannot protect the kids we love.Financial sextortion is different because it is not peer to peer sextortion. It is organized international crime and far more dangerous. Criminals operating out of Africa, Asia and other regions are running massive operations. Some are loose networks of gangs, and some are sophisticated, well funded criminal groups.Many already have lists of targets. They use fake name generators to create believable identities from any country. They open fake accounts. They message hundreds of young males a day, hoping to trap just one.And they often aim for the most successful kids. The ones with scholarships, leadership roles, strong reputations, and the most information online.This is not random. This is strategic. This is predatory.We also look at one of the greatest obstacles in combating financial sextortion which is adult denial. Many adults believe the topic is “too dark,” “too negative,” or “too frightening” for teens. But the truth is devastating as it has led to young people seeing no way out. Athletes, college bound, deeply committed to their faith, Christian school attendees, close to their families, not heavy social media users. Many were simply naïve about online manipulation. These were not “reckless kids.” They were good kids blindsided by a crime they didn’t know existed.We must overcome this denial and ask if our kids are safe. Silence is not protection but the predator’s greatest weapon. We all must speak up. Young people listen when adults tell them the truth, to help them recognize the signs and reach out for help. But only if we stop avoiding the conversation. If you are a parent, educator, coach, youth pastor, or mentor, this episode is not optional. It is essential.Listen. Share. Talk to your kids. This knowledge saves lives.For more info and to donate to this 501(c)3 charity, you can reach Million Kids at:Website: https://MillionKids.org Email: info@MillionKids.orgBe sure to follow and like our posts on:Facebook: / iemillionkids Instagram: / millionkidsteen