A DISTURBING new form of cyber extortion is emerging across social media, with children now being directly targeted by scammers using AI-generated explicit videos and stolen personal images to demand money.
In one recent case, a Malaysian teenager narrowly avoided becoming a victim of this growing scam after receiving a threatening message on the messaging app Telegram late at night.
The anonymous sender, concealing their identity and using no visible phone number, sent the boy a personal photograph alongside a deepfake video falsely depicting him in explicit content.
The scammers demanded RM5,800 and threatened to release the doctored footage publicly if the boy did not pay.
“He stayed calm and asked for advice,” his mother said. The teenager had the presence of mind to reach out to a trusted school contact who had previously assisted another student in a similar situation. The mother only learned about the incident the following morning and immediately lodged a police report.
According to police, the use of AI-generated deepfake material in blackmail attempts is rapidly on the rise, and minors are increasingly being targeted. Officers confirmed that scammers are leveraging advanced digital tools to create fake “hamsap” (explicit) content, often appearing alarmingly realistic, to manipulate victims through fear and humiliation.
“They tried to frighten him, but we went straight to the police,” the mother added, urging other parents not to give in to such threats. “Don’t let fear force you into paying.”
Authorities emphasise that these scams are not isolated and could affect individuals of any age. They advise families to maintain open communication with children about online safety and the importance of speaking up if they receive suspicious or threatening messages.
This case highlights how artificial intelligence, while a powerful tool for progress, can also be misused with alarming consequences. With criminals becoming increasingly sophisticated, parents and guardians are urged to take proactive steps to protect their children and report any extortion attempts immediately. - October 19, 2025
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