The sad story of Caleb Morgan from El Dorado, Kansas, reveals the dangers of sextortion—a scam where victims are blackmailed using intimate photos. Caleb met someone claiming to be a teenager on TikTok, then moved their chat to Snapchat, where he was manipulated into sending pictures.
The scammer exploited Caleb’s trust and pressured him for money to avoid exposure, leading to tremendous emotional pain. Overwhelmed and isolated, Caleb ended his life at home by gunshot.
His mother recalls desperate moments trying to save him and later discovered the scam as police reviewed Caleb’s messages. The ordeal unfolded in just 35 minutes, wiping away his hope.
According to the FBI, sextortion involves threats to release private images to force victims into handing over money or further photos.
This tragedy highlights the need for awareness and protection for children and teens online.