A Portadown GAA club have issued a warning to parents about the use of AI after “sexual images” were sent using the software to financially “blackmail” a young person within the community.
Sharing information via their social media platforms, Tír-na-nOg GAA club – based at Ballyoran Park – warned parents that young people were being “targeted”.
Their post read: “We wish to make our young people and parents aware of a young person who has been targeted in the community.
“Sexual images were sent using AI with the young person’s face on an AI body with a black mail threat of sharing the image online if money was not paid.”
The club said that in the “age of AI” the images created were “very realistic”.
They added: “A list of the young person’s friends on social media were also sent to the young person.
“Thankfully the young person targeted was very sensible and immediately alerted their parents. Police have been contacted and have asked for local clubs and schools to alert parents and young people.”
Sharing advice for anyone effected by AI blackmailing scams, they shared the following:
𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲
- It’s not your fault. Being targeted, bullied or harassed online is never your fault, no matter what someone says.
- Don’t reply or react. Responding can make it worse. Bullies often want attention or a reaction.
- Save the evidence. Take screenshots of messages, comments, usernames, dates and times. Don’t delete them.
- Block and report. Use the platform’s block and report tools straight away.
- Tell a trusted adult. This could be a parent, guardian, teacher, coach, or youth worker. You don’t have to deal with it alone.
- Protect your privacy. Set accounts to private. Do not share your telephone number, location or school on your social media accounts. Only accept people you actually know.
- Look after your wellbeing. Take breaks from social media if needed. Talk about how you’re feeling, it really helps.
Parents and Guardians
- Stay calm and listen. Your child needs reassurance, not panic. Thank them for telling you.
- Collect evidence. Screenshots are crucial, especially if schools, clubs, or the police need to be involved.
- Report on the platform. Most platforms take harassment of minors seriously.
- Adjust privacy and safety settings together. This keeps your child involved and empowered, rather than feeling punished.
- Inform the school or club. If the child knows the person offline, schools and organisations can often intervene.
- Know when to escalate. Contact police if there are: Threats of violence, sexual content involving a minor, blackmail or coercion, hate crime or stalking.
