Another local resident has been targeted by an online blackmail scam. He told officers two unknown women had blackmailed him by threatening to share inappropriate pictures online.
The man had already paid the woman $1800, but they were demanding more money. Officers advised the man to block the women and delete the app they used to contact him. Since they had his phone number, they also advised him to change it.
Online nude photo blackmail schemes, often referred to as sextortion, involve cybercriminals coercing victims into sending explicit photos or videos, which they later threaten to share publicly unless the victim pays money or provides additional material. These schemes frequently begin with fake profiles on social media or dating platforms to gain the victim’s trust. Tragically, several victims, particularly teenagers, have taken their lives after being targeted, overwhelmed by shame, fear, and the perceived lack of options. If you are targeted, remain calm and do not pay the blackmailer, as this often leads to further demands. Instead, stop all communication with the perpetrator, document the threats, and report the incident to local authorities, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), or a trusted adult or organization that can help. Support networks and professional counseling can also play a vital role in managing the emotional toll of such situations.
