LAGOS, Nigeria — A disturbing trend is emerging on social media, where young men flaunt extravagant lifestyles financed by deceptive online schemes. Videos circulating on TikTok feature individuals displaying stacks of cash, showcasing luxury fashion, and celebrating rapid financial gains, but their success is built on exploiting unsuspecting victims, particularly minors.
In a calculated and criminal approach, these individuals engage in a form of blackmail known as sextortion, targeting social media users primarily in the United States and other western nations. By posing as attractive romance interests, they manipulate victims into sharing compromising photos, then threaten to distribute these images unless they receive payment. The group behind this activity has dubbed themselves the “BM Boys,” an acronym for “blackmail.” Hundreds of young men in West Africa are reportedly taking part in this illicit scheme, drawing admiration and envy from aspiring scammers who wish to emulate their perceived wealth.
The allure of quick riches has prompted numerous followers to seek guidance from successful scammers. A recent TikTok post received over 2,000 likes from users eager to learn the ropes of this underhanded business. As the BM Boys gain significant online followings, some accounts have amassed several hundred thousand followers, further normalizing their exploitative activities.
Experts note that teenagers are particularly vulnerable to these schemes. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported over 26,000 cases of financial sextortion involving minors, a staggering increase from the previous year. The heartbreaking reality is that at least 46 American adolescent boys have died by suicide since 2021 after falling victim to these blackmail scams, highlighting the deadly consequences of such exploitation.
Despite efforts to curtail these activities, platforms remain hotspots for blackmailers. Meta, owner of Instagram, announced the removal of tens of thousands of accounts linked to these schemes, but scams continue to proliferate. TikTok serves as a stage for BM Boys to showcase their lavish lifestyles and recruit new participants, perpetuating a cycle of crime that thrives on social media’s visibility.
To connect with victims, blackmailers often employ tactics such as “bombing,” a method in which they mass-follow individuals in specific online communities, akin to targeting fans of particular sports teams or celebrities. This not only makes their profiles seem legitimate but also expands their pool of potential victims.
Some of these scammers share “BM Updates” on TikTok, providing insights and strategies for success in sextortion. These updates include scripts for conversations, techniques for creating fake personas, and instructions on using virtual private networks to mask their identities. Experts indicate that these tips make it easier for wannabe blackmailers to gain traction and refine their harmful tactics.
The fragility of youth online calls for a robust response from social media platforms. Critics argue that current safety measures fall short, given the impulsive nature of adolescents and their susceptibility to manipulation. Calls for enhanced privacy settings and proactive monitoring of user interactions have gained momentum as experts emphasize the need for stricter protections for younger users.
Tragically, the repercussions of these scams are profound and devastating. Parents, like John DeMay, whose son Jordan took his own life after being targeted by blackmailers, recount the heart-wrenching fallout. The Ogoshi brothers, responsible for Jordan’s exploitation, were sentenced to prison, yet their actions remain emblematic of a broader crisis that demands urgent attention.
As discussions surrounding online safety gain traction, advocates urge tech companies to implement more stringent safeguards for minors. Social media’s dual role as a space for connection and vulnerability underscores the imperative to create environments that prioritize user safety.