The Hidden Threat: Sextortion in Rural Eastern Montana
By CNADA – Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault
In our quiet, close-knit communities of Eastern Montana, it’s easy to believe that certain crimes only happen “somewhere else.” But the reality is that even in our rural towns—where everyone seems to know everyone—there are silent threats lurking behind screens and social media profiles. One of the most dangerous and underreported is sextortion.
💻 What is Sextortion?
Sextortion is a form of exploitation where someone threatens to share intimate images or information unless their victim provides more explicit content, money, or other favors. Offenders often pretend to be someone else—sometimes even posing as a peer, friend, or romantic interest. It’s blackmail, and it’s a crime.
These predators often target teens and young adults through Snapchat, Instagram, gaming platforms, or messaging apps. But adults aren’t immune—especially those facing isolation or abuse.
📍 Why It’s Hitting Rural Montana So Hard
While sextortion is a growing threat across the country, it hits especially hard in rural areas like ours:
Limited digital safety education: Small schools often lack robust internet safety programming.
Lack of anonymity: In small towns, victims may fear being recognized if they seek help.
Shame and stigma: Victims often blame themselves, leading to silence and isolation.
Limited resources: Fewer mental health, advocacy, or legal services are available locally.
And sadly, Montana is seeing a dangerous rise in this crime.
🟣 Montana’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received over 1,500 cyber tips in 2022, compared to just 353 in 2015—an increase of more than 325%.
🟣 The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office reports dozens of sextortion cases monthly in the rural Mountain West region, including Montana.
🧠 The Emotional Cost is Devastating
The emotional toll on victims is immense. Shame, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts are common outcomes—especially for youth.
"My son was just 14 when it happened," shares a local mother, who asked to remain anonymous. "A stranger posing as a teen girl convinced him to share pictures. Then they threatened to send them to everyone at his school. He shut down. We had no idea until he finally broke down one night."
He’s one of thousands across the U.S. impacted by sextortion—but his story is a chilling reminder: it can happen here, and it is happening here.
According to the FBI, more than a dozen children nationwide have died by suicide after being targeted in financially motivated sextortion schemes.
🧰 What Can We Do?
1. Start the Conversation
Talk to your children, your students, your friends. Help them understand what sextortion is and how predators operate. Remind them: If something feels wrong, they can talk to you without fear or judgment.
2. Recognize the Warning Signs
Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, or fear around devices.
Attempts to hide conversations or social media.
Sudden requests for money or gift cards.
3. Know Where to Get Help
🆘 If someone is in immediate danger: Call 911.
📞 Reporting & Support Lines
CNADA Confidential Help Line: 406-951-0475
Montana ICAC Task Force: 406‑444‑6681
FBI / Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): 1‑800‑CALL‑FBI or submit a report at tips.fbi.gov
Montana Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCADSV): 1‑888‑404‑7794
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1‑800‑656‑4673
Montana Human Trafficking Hotline: 1‑833‑406‑STOP (7867)
All calls are confidential and can lead to support, intervention, and recovery.
📣 Let’s Break the Silence
Sextortion thrives in secrecy. But in Eastern Montana, we believe in protecting our neighbors and standing up for our youth. Let’s talk about it. Let’s report it. Let’s fight it—together.
“I felt so alone until I called CNADA. They didn’t judge me. They just helped. They made me feel human again.”
—Survivor, Miles City
If you or someone you know is being threatened or manipulated online, please reach out. You are not alone.
👉 Call CNADA at 406-234-0542 or message us confidentially. We’re here to support, advocate, and empower you—every step of the way.
Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault (CNADA)
Supporting survivors across Custer, Fallon, Powder River, Carter, Rosebud, Treasure, and Garfield Counties.
📚 Sources
Montana Department of Justice: Sextortion & ICAC
FBI: Financially Motivated Sextortion Threat
FBI Salt Lake City Field Office – PSA
Montana Human Trafficking & Victim Services
MCADSV – Montana Domestic & Sexual Violence Services
RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)