Trapped Online: How Sextortion and Trafficking Target Our Kids

Online exploitation is spreading faster than parents, schools, or lawmakers can keep up. From sextortion scams to trafficking pipelines targeting foster youth, predators are using technology to manipulate, profit from, and destroy young lives. In this episode, Justin Yentes and special guest Leah Martineau expose the dark side of digital culture, share real cases they’ve worked on, and discuss how families, communities, and even men themselves can step up to stop the demand that fuels abuse.

Key Moments:

• Sextortion schemes that trap young boys with fake “girlfriend” accounts and blackmail.
• How foster youth and vulnerable teens are groomed into trafficking through false promises.
• Why parents must maintain ongoing, shame-free conversations with their kids about online risks.
• How AI, chatbots, and unregulated platforms are creating new frontiers of exploitation.

This episode isn’t just about technology; it’s about protecting the people we love most. Whether you’re a parent trying to safeguard your kids, a teacher who may be the last line of defense, or someone who wants to understand how predators exploit digital loopholes, you’ll leave with insight, tools, and hope. Because awareness is the first step to prevention and prevention is how we turn the tide.

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Link to Justin’s agency, AIA: https://azprivateinvestigator.com/

Arizona Anti Trafficking Network (AATN): https://aatn.org/

AZ Teen Lifeline phone or text: 602-248-TEEN (8336)

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988