ACAMS Chicago Chapter February 2026 Learning Event: Exploited and Extorted: Unmasking Scams, the Rise of Sextortion, Criminal Networks Behind Them, and the Human Cost of Cybercrime

Overview

Scams and financial sextortion are rapidly evolving into some of the most damaging and emotionally devastating forms of cyber-enabled crime, impacting individuals, families, and financial systems worldwide. In this timely and investigative session, Paul Raffile, an intelligence analyst specializing in global cybercrime and transnational organized crime, examines how modern scam and sextortion schemes operate, the tactics criminals use to identify and exploit victims, and the profound financial and psychological harm these crimes inflict.

Drawing on real-world intelligence investigations, Paul will highlight key red flags, emerging typologies, and the critical role financial institutions, investigators, and law enforcement play in identifying suspicious activity, supporting victims, and disrupting criminal networks. The session will also place focus on financial sextortion targeting youth, now recognized as one of the fastest-growing cybercrime threats globally, with devastating consequences. Paul will present findings from an international investigation into a cybercrime syndicate commonly referred to as the “Yahoo Boys,” exposing how these networks leverage social media and digital platforms to groom, blackmail, and extort young victims at scale.

Attendees will gain insight into the methods, motivations, and global reach of these operations, as well as actionable considerations for prevention, detection, and response. This session offers essential perspective for financial institutions, compliance and fraud professionals, law enforcement, investigators, technology companies, and anyone working to combat cyber-enabled exploitation and protect vulnerable populations.

Please Note: Some Chapter members have received an error message upon registration. We are aware of the issue and working on a solution. In the meantime, if you have this issue, please contact Chapters@acams.org.

Download Event Agenda

Venue

Chicago ITT Kent School of Law
565 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60661

May need to present ID when checking in. Prior to the event, security pass will be emailed to registered attendees. Paid parking lots nearby, close to Union and Ogilvie Metra Train stations.

Credits

3 ACAMS Credits will be awarded for this event.