THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 18, 2025 Page 9 VIOLENT ONLINE | FROM PAGE 2 threat actors systematically target underage females, but anyone — juveniles, adults, males, and females — can be targeted. Victims are typically between the ages of 10 and 17 years old, but the FBI has seen some victims as young as 9 years old. These violent actors target vulnerable populations to include children as well as those who struggle with a variety of mental health issues, such as depression, eating disorders, or suicidal ideation. Threat actors often groom their victims by fi rst establishing a trusting or romantic relationship before eventually manipulating and coercing them into engaging in escalating harmful behavior designed to shame and isolate them. Extortion and Self-harm The networks use extortion and blackmail tactics, such as threatening to swat1 or dox2 their victims, if the victims do not comply with the network’s demands. The actors can manipulate or coerce victims to produce Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and other videos depicting animal cruelty and self-harm. Self-harm activity can include cutting, stabbing, or fansigning.3 Members of the networks threaten to share the explicit videos or photos of the victims with the victims’ family, friends, and/or post the photos and videos to the internet. The networks control their victims through extreme fear and many members have an endgoal of forcing the victims they extort or coerce to livestream their own suicide for the network’s entertainment or the threat actor’s own sense of fame. Recommendations The FBI urges the public to exercise increased vigilance when posting personal photos, videos, or personal identifying information, or direct messaging online. Although seemingly innocuous when posted or shared, the images and videos can provide malicious actors an abundant supply of content to exploit and manipulate or alter for criminal activity. Victims are vulnerable to embarrassment, harassment, extortion, or continued long-term re-victimization. The FBI recommends looking for warning signs indicating a victim may be engaging in self-harm or having suicidal thoughts. The FBI recommends that family, friends, and associates consider the following potential indicators and warning signs: Sudden behavior changes such as becoming withdrawn, moody, or irritable. Sudden changes in appearance, especially neglect of appearance. Changes in eating or sleeping habits. Dropping out of activities and becoming more isolated and withdrawn. A new online “friend” or network prospective victims seem infatuated with and/or scared of. Receipt of anonymous gifts, such as items delivered to your home, currency, gaming currency or other virtual items. Scars, often in patterns. Fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, burns, or other wounds. Carvings, such as words or symbols, on the skin. Wearing long sleeves or VIOLENT ONLINE | SEE PAGE 10 Join Mayor Carlo DeMaria and representatives of the New England Revolution for a COMMUNITY MEETING What are the benefits you want to see in the community benefits agreement from a stadium project? At this community meeting, you'll have the opportunity to: View potential design plans. Tell us what community benefits you would like to see. All are All are welcome!welcome! 6:30 PM 6:30PM EDWARD G. CONNOLLY CENTER 90 CHELSEA STREET, EVERETT, MA 02149 EDWARDG. CONNOLLYCENTER 90CHELSEASTREET, EVERETT, MA02149 WEDNESDAY APRIL30, 2025 WEDNESDAY APRIL 30, 2025
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