U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is raising awareness of the disturbing increase in financial sextortion schemes targeting teenage online.

Britt reacted to a recent report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) that revealed the alarming trend.

“I recently discussed the alarming surge in sextortion schemes with [FBI Director Kash Patel],” Britt said. “We must take strong action to protect our youth from online predators. This growing threat demands coordinated efforts between law enforcement, tech companies, and Congress to keep kids safe.”

Britt was referring to a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September, when she spoke with Patel about the problem.

“We need answers. I want to talk about child sexual exploitation,” Britt said.”We know that that is the greatest gift that we have. That is our greatest treasure here in the United States — the next generation. And, finally, we have an FBI director that is putting that at the top of his list.”

Patel responded by citing some data about the terrible trend.

“That is a problem that we are seeing explode on generative AI and private sector and social media companies,” Patel said. “They have seen a 1,325% increase in generative AI leading to sextortion and child sexual abuse.”

Britt said she’s talked with too many families who’ve become victims of these schemes.

“I have had a number of parents sit in front of me telling me terrible,” Britt said, “heartbreaking stories about their children ultimately taking their own life because of being blackmailed.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee