The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is unveiling “No Escape Room,” a thrilling new interactive experience that plunges parents and caregivers into the reality of financial sextortion, coinciding with the release of new data on child sexual exploitation.
Based on dozens of real-life CyberTipline reports, the interactive film follows the story of a 15-year-old boy’s exploitation online. Throughout the experience, the user will be prompted to engage in a conversation with someone who appears to be another teenager. Before they know it, what started out as a friendly, flirtatious chat has them trapped in a blackmail scenario. At key points, “No Escape Room” challenges parents to try and navigate the situation for themselves, as they find out it’s more difficult than it seems.
NCMEC is at the forefront of combating this rising threat to children’s safety. In recent years, financial sextortion, in which offenders aggressively blackmail children for financial gain has grown at alarming rates. From 2021 through 2023, NCMEC saw over 300 percent increase in reports concerning online enticement, including incidents of financial sextortion. The campaign challenges parents to experience situations their children may encounter by not only educating parents about potential risks but also highlights the rapidity with which online threats can manifest. Through an immersive experience, parents are placed in the shoes of their children, confronting the reality of online dangers. Can they navigate their way out of this dangerous situation? The answer is a resounding no – at least not alone. Read more about “No Escape Room” on the NCMEC blog.