My son killed himself after falling for an online scam. I heard it happen
Gavin Guffey was 17 when he was targeted by a ‘sextortionist’ on Instagram. His father Brandon has spent four years fighting for justice, and for social media companies to do more to safeguard young users
TL;DR
- Gavin Guffey, 17, died by suicide after being targeted by a sextortion scam on Instagram.
- His father, Brandon Guffey, a state representative, has become a prominent advocate for child online safety.
- "Gavin's Law" was passed in South Carolina, making sextortion a felony and requiring school education.
- Guffey is pushing for reforms that hold social media companies accountable for user safety, particularly for minors.
- He founded a non-profit, Less Than 3, to campaign on these issues and support affected families.
- The suspect believed to be responsible, Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, was extradited from Nigeria and faces charges.
- Guffey's advocacy is driven by his personal tragedy and his vow to prevent similar deaths.