The FBI Detroit Field Office will be hosting the first of two online sexual exploitation webinars on the dangers of online sexual exploitation, which also include crimes such as sextortion. The first will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Online sexual exploitation (OSE) refers to the use of the Internet or digital technologies to exploit or abuse individuals, often for sexual purposes.

Participants can expect the presentations to provide an overview of what online sexual exploitation looks like, information on threat indicators and signs of exploitation, and examples of how this crime has impacted the state of Michigan.

“The harsh reality that parents, teachers, and guardians need to know is that, while online, our children are being targeted by criminals with the most heinous intentions. They are being coerced and emotionally manipulated into situations where they are producing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and then are being blackmailed for money or other services,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan. “By hosting these webinars, we hope to reduce and eventually eradicate this alarming trend, encourage open and honest conversations and provide life-saving resources.”

The Detroit Field Office has provided suggested information and tips on how to protect your loved ones from online sexual exploitation:

• Be selective about what you share online.
• Block or ignore messages from strangers.
• Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online or of anyone that wants to move to a different platform to have a conversation.
• People can pretend to be anything or anyone online, and their videos or photos are not proof of who they say they may be.
• Any content you create can be made public and you have little control over where it is shared next.
• Do not send any money or additional content to the blackmailer.
• Don't be ashamed. Ask for help. If you are receiving messages or requests online that don’t seem right, block the sender, report them to the platform’s safety administrators, tell a trusted adult, or the FBI

If our youth are being exploited, they are a victim and should report it. The FBI has staff dedicated to assisting victims of a crime.

To submit a tip to the FBI, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or make a report online at tips.fbi.gov.

To join the online exploitation webinar, click here and follow the prompts. Meeting ID: 992 147 546 336. Passcode: XA2Df3mK. To listen by phone, dial +1 304-848-3555 and use 719 304 634# as the meeting code.