NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The FBI warns the public to be aware of sextortion crimes due to an increase seen across the U.S., including Hampton Roads.

Sextortion is a crime that involves an adult coercing a minor to create and share sexual content for sexual and/or financial gain. The adult threatens to release that content to the public unless more content is shared, or payment is received.

An FBI Norfolk news release states that any child is a potential victim, but victims are typically boys between 14 and 17.

From October 2022 to March 2023, the FBI says it received at least 14 reports of sextortion cases in the Hampton Roads area. Compared to the previous year, that’s a 20% increase in cases reported within that same time frame.

The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received reports of over 12,600 victims from October 2021 and March 2023. Out of those cases, they confirmed 20 resulted in suicide.

“One of the best lines of defense to stopping a crime like this is to educate our must vulnerable on common warning signs, as well as empowering them to come forward if ever victimized,” Special Agent in Charge Brian Dugan of the FBI Norfolk’s Field Office said.

The FBI provides these tips to protect children:

-Speak with a trusted adult

-Be willing to ask for help.

If you have information about a sextortion crime, report it to your local FBI field office, contact the FBI at (800) 245-5324, or submit a tip here.