Riley Basford was a sweet and kind-hearted teen who tragically took his life in 2021 after he was blackmailed by catfishing sextortionists on social media. Riley’s father, Darren, is a School Resource Officer at Potsdam School and is now passionate about warning other kids about the dangers of sharing explicit images of themselves with others. Sextortion occurs when a predator “catfishes” an adult or minor by pretending to be someone they’re not. Once those photos are received, the predator will then use them for blackmail purposes. This can result in tragedy, as it did for Riley. Darren advises that parents should talk openly with their kids and let them know that no matter what happens, they will be there for them - without judgment or shame. 

TAKEAWAYS

Riley’s experience with sextortion was very fast: he took his life just one day after meeting the catfishing predator, posing as “Megan”

Don’t get angry with your children if they share something embarrassing with you - let them know that you are there for them

Use BARK to protect your children from social media dangers in your household

Check for red flags among your children: are there any signs that they are experiencing negative social media interactions

TOOLS AND RESOURCES FROM EPISODE

Riley’s Story video: https://bit.ly/3sHlIAp

BARK Phone: https://bit.ly/TINAPHONE

BARK App (get 10% off with code TINA): https://bit.ly/BARKCCM

Riley Basford Legacy Fund: https://nnycf.org/riley-basford-legacy/

NY Girl Commits Suicide Due to Sextortion: https://bit.ly/41Oyo5j

Online Blackmailing Leads to Suicide: https://bit.ly/48HLLGY

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