The BM Boys: A Glimpse into the Dark World of Sextortion on Social Media

A TikTok video captures the flashy lifestyle of a young man surrounded by a stack of $100 bills, while another showcases his designer outfits, and a third flaunts a heavy gold chain, dancing for the camera. They boast about their “path to wealth,” drawing eager followers into a world where success is measured not by hard work but by illicit schemes. “BM got me a new car,” one clip boasts, while another claims, “$5,000 in a few hours.” What may seem like innocent bragging is actually a disturbing trend rooted in crime, particularly blackmail—known locally as “BM,” shorthand for blackmail—targeting vulnerable social media users.

The Rise of the BM Boys

Based primarily in Nigeria, the self-proclaimed “BM Boys” have found a niche that capitalizes on the naiveté of young internet users, especially in Western nations like the United States. Their method involves posing as attractive women on platforms like Instagram and initiating conversations that eventually turn deceitful. The goal is simple yet sinister: tricking victims into sending compromising images, which are then weaponized as blackmail.

Victims are typically coaxed into sharing nude photos, only to find themselves threatened with the distribution of these images to friends and family unless they pay a hefty ransom. The BM Boys, operating in packs, often post videos glorifying their gains, and this spectacle serves both as a recruitment tool for newcomers and a means to gain admiration from fellow Nigerians who aspire to this lifestyle. Comments like “Boss please can I come to learn [the] work please” echo within the TikTok community, showcasing the allure of quick wealth.

Targeting Vulnerable Populations

The BM Boys predominantly prey on teenage boys across the US and similar countries. This demographic is particularly vulnerable, as evidenced by alarming statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which reported over 26,000 instances of financial sextortion of minors in just one year—a significant rise from the previous year. Tragically, the consequences of these schemes have been deadly; numerous teens have taken their lives after becoming targets of such harassment.

While adjudicating a case of sextortion, courts reveal the gravity of these crimes. Two brothers, Samuel and Samson Ogoshi, were sentenced after their scam led to the suicide of a young man named Jordan DeMay. The callous disregard these criminals displayed, continuing their operations even after learning the tragic outcome of their actions, underscores the urgent need for systemic changes on social media platforms.

Finding Victims: The Online Tactics of BM Boys

The BM Boys employ various methods to identify and engage their targets. Instagram remains the primary platform for seeking victims, enabling them to establish a connection under false pretenses. Once they garner interest, they skillfully transition into more intimate conversations, often using seductive tactics tolower the defenses of potential victims.

In contrast, TikTok serves as the stage for their ostentatious displays of wealth and success. By showcasing luxurious lifestyles, they entice naive followers who might desire to join the ranks of these modern-day pirates. Indeed, platforms such as TikTok have become a breeding ground for influential figures who promote not just glamor but also illegal behavior.

One blackmailer described the process: “Millions want to get into it. If you don’t learn it, you’ll never be able to do it.” By giving tips and scripts through “BM Updates,” they foster a culture that normalizes illegal activities. From hacking tutorials to strategies for initiating contact with prospective victims, these resources lay the foundation for a disturbing business model.

Building Trust: The Psychology of Extortion

Establishing trust is key in these interactions, as blackmailers frequently impersonate attractive individuals based in similar demographics as their victims. The BM Boys share guidelines through TikTok about constructing fake identities and managing online relationships, effectively teaching a new generation of scammers how to operate.

As part of the recruitment process, they partake in “bombing,” where they mass-follow users in specific online communities. This approach allows them to appear credible, as a high number of mutual followers enhances the legitimacy of their fake accounts. They understand the human inclination toward impulse, especially among teenagers, which they exploit ruthlessly.

A Shockingly Efficient Fraud

Once trust is established, the BM Boys initiate the exchange of explicit images, often starting with a stolen nude photo from platforms like OnlyFans. The blackmail demands typically range between $500 and $3,000, with intimidation tactics thrown in to ensure compliance. Perhaps the most chilling tactic involves editing the victim’s image onto mock news clippings or television cutouts to frighten them into submission.

This high-pressure strategy is deliberately designed to elicit quick responses, tapping into victims’ fears and insecurities. “I get my newspaper app and edit everything,” one blackmailer explained. “I say, ‘It’s going to be seen on the f***ing news.’”

The Culture of Remorselessness

The BM Boys operate with a shocking lack of empathy, often dismissing the emotional impact of their tactics. The blackmailer interviewed expressed skepticism about the reports of teen suicides tied to sextortion, arguing, “I don’t feel guilty because this is not the main reason why they commit suicide”—a chilling perspective reflective of a moral vacuum.

The psychological toll on victims often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by the promise of quick wealth and lifestyle depicted by BM Boys. Pushed into desperation, many teenagers face dire outcomes. Individual stories like that of Jordan DeMay serve as potent reminders of the tragic implications of such online predation.

Platform Responsibility: Meta’s Response to Sextortion

Social media platforms are beginning to acknowledge their role in protecting vulnerable users. In 2024, Meta took steps to curb the influence of these criminals, removing thousands of accounts linked to sextortion. Yet, the reality is that the fight against such predatory behavior requires ongoing vigilance and innovative solutions. Steps taken include notifications warning teens interacting with individuals from other countries, as well as automatic blurring of nude images sent through underage accounts.

Despite these measures, substantial gaps remain. Experts argue for more robust privacy settings, suggesting that profiles of young users should be completely private, further shielding them from the prying eyes of blackmailers eager to exploit them.

Conclusion

In a world increasingly dominated by social media interactions, the BM Boys exemplify the dark side of digital advancement. Their stories reflect the consequences of unchecked greed and the exploitation of vulnerability, leaving many to wonder about the efficacy of existing safeguards. As the landscape of online communication evolves, so too must our collective commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us.

For those affected by the stark realities of sextortion, resources and crisis support are available, offering lifelines in times of distress. In the ongoing battle against such predatory practices, awareness, education, and systemic reform are essential to forge a safer online environment for everyone, especially our youth.