CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Brandon Guffey is still on the path for justice, two years after his son died by suicide after being involved in a sextortion scheme.
It's a form of child exploitation where children are threatened or blackmailed, typically by being tricked into sending a nude photo then getting demands for money in exchange for the picture not being shared.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children between 2021 and 2023, the number of online enticement reports increased by more than 300%.
Guffey knows the feeling of watching someone fall victim all too well.
Just before midnight on July 26, his life would change forever.
"It was four or five guys on a video game playing together, and he got a message, and he told the guys, 'Hey, I want to jump off this girl started messaging me,' and the person reached out to him online, and I think the conversation started off with something like, 'You're cute. Are you in the military?'" Guffey said.
That was the first red flag for Guffey, as he knew his son's hair length wouldn't be suitable for the military. Gavin Guffey often wore his hair long.
Although, they were strangers, the two continued to exchange messages.
“He exchanged pictures and by 1:40 a.m., Gavin took his life. That's how quickly it happens," Brandon Guffey said.
Guffey tells Spectrum News 1, he saw his son moments before he pulled the trigger. He noticed Gavin was a bit off, but he chalked it up to being a typical teenager. He never thought it would be the last time he'd see his son alive.
"I'd never wish this on my worst enemy," Guffey said. "That amount of pain, to hold your child until they bleed out... that's the most excruciating pain."
From that point forward his mission in life shifted to warning other parents and teens of the dangers online.
Guffey often speaks at colleges and high schools, spreading the message, and he’s also using a tool created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
"It's called No Escape Room, and what it does is it shows the teens how easy it is to fall in to a sextortion scheme. It shows the parents how you're not even aware that it's happening whenever it's right beside," Guffey said.
The interactive experience is free to use, and it guides kids through a series of questions.
How you respond to those questions, then changes the prompt and the scenario, to recreate an authentic online experience.
“It shows you that there is no escape once this starts and that is one of the reasons that we need more tools out there. But the best tool we can use is education," Guffey said.
He also wants parents to know, that if your child comes to you with an issue online, listen before it's too late.
"The only thing you can resort to is 'I told you not to do this,' but you need to understand that they are in the most fearful moment of their life, and if they're brave enough to come out asking for help, be there to help," Guffey said.
If you are experiencing this interaction online, NCMEC has some advice:
It's important to remember the blackmailer is to blame, not you. Never send money to resolve an issue. No amount of money will stop the person behind the keyboard. Instead, get help before sending money.
It's crucial to report the account and block the suspect, but do not delete the profile so that it can be shared with law enforcement.
If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
