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There’s a growing threat of sextortion targeting children and teens, TBI warns. Here’s how to keep your kids safe.
By Caleb Wethington at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is warning parents and caregivers about the growing threat of financially motivated sextortion targeting children and teens.The warning comes after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported more than 50,000 cases ...
Key takeaway The warning comes after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported more than 50,000 cases of financially motivated sextortion in 2025, averaging 137 reports per day.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's warning about the growing threat of sextortion targeting children and teens in the state is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in Nashville 's communities. With four TBI agents working to identify and locate over 150 child victims of sextortion in Tennessee, it's clear that this is a problem that affects local families. The fact that these crimes often remain hidden, with only the predator and child aware of the abuse, makes it crucial for parents and caregivers to educate children about the dangers of sextortion and the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to a trusted adult. As the TBI urges, having open and honest conversations with children about online safety can be the strongest defense against these crimes. Nashville parents should take heed of this warning and take proactive steps to protect their children from the threat of sextortion.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is warning parents and caregivers about the growing threat of financially motivated sextortion targeting children and teens.The warning comes after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported more than 50,000 cases ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caleb Wethington at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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