(BEAVER DAM) January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and a Dodge County nonprofit is using the moment to warn families about a growing and deadly online crime: sextortion.
5-Stones Dodge County, an all-volunteer organization focused on preventing sex trafficking, says sextortion is becoming one of the most common ways young people are targeted online. Founder Tracy Scheffler describes it as predators posing as peers on social media, gaming platforms or chat apps, building trust and then demanding money after convincing a victim to share a private image. The threats often include sending those images to friends or family if the victim refuses to pay.
Scheffler says the fear and shame created in those moments can feel overwhelming, especially for teens who don’t know where to turn. She calls sextortion a major contributor to youth suicide and says education is critical before a child ever becomes a target.
That urgency is why 5-Stones created a dedicated sextortion presentation, sharing warning signs, common tactics used by criminals and practical steps parents and kids can take to stay safe. The group regularly presents in schools, churches and community spaces, encouraging open conversations and early reporting to law enforcement.
As part of its January awareness efforts, 5-Stones is also asking the community to help spread the word. Scheffler urges anyone who learns about trafficking or sextortion to tell at least three others, saying awareness remains one of the strongest tools for prevention.
Click HERE for more information about 5-Stones Dodge County.
