Public safety officials warn "sextortion" is a growing crime in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Department of Public Safety says the crime of "sextortion" is growing in Minnesota, and the biggest targets are children and teens.

Authorities say they've seen criminals oversees tricking them into sharing explicit photos then extorting them for money.

"The crime always has the same pattern. Most often its a boy befriended on social media or gaming sites by someone purporting to be a beautiful girl. She convinces him to share an explicit photo showing face, immediately blackmails, demands money or gift cards from the victim," Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said.

The BCA says there have been hundreds of victims in Minnesota. The majority of them are boys ages 10 to 17. 

"Understand that, yes, this crime can happen to your child. Educate your children about the dangers of sharing images and information online, and please make sure your children know that they can come to you if they fall victim to one of these criminals," DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson said.