Portsmouth Police responded to a home on Mabert Road after a shaken resident reported that someone was trying to extort him over text message. The man told officers he’d received threatening messages claiming that “illicit photos” of him would be posted online unless he sent money.
He had no idea who the sender was, didn’t recognize the number, and didn’t believe anyone close to him would be involved — which is exactly why police recognized the whole thing as a classic sextortion scam. Officers advised him accordingly and took information for a report.
How Sextortion Scams Work — And Why They’re Everywhere Right Now
Scammers have gotten extremely bold (and extremely gross) with text-based extortion schemes. Here’s how these operations usually play out:
- They pick random numbers and fire off threats.
The scammer claims they have explicit photos or videos of you — but it’s all bluff.
- They demand money fast.
They’ll say they’ll send the images to your family, employer, or friends if you don’t pay immediately.
- They hope you panic.
They want fear to override logic. If you respond, they know you’re hooked.
- They pressure you to keep quiet.
Scammers count on embarrassment to keep victims from calling police.
What to Do If This Happens to You
Do NOT send money.
Paying only encourages more threats. Theydon’t have anything — they’re just fishing.
Do NOT respond.
Any reply tells the scammer your number is active.
Take screenshots.
Save the messages for police.
Block the number.
You don’t owe them your emotional energy.
Contact law enforcement.
Even if it feels embarrassing, police deal with this constantly. You’re not alone.
And If They Really Do Have Photos?
It happens. If you willingly shared intimate images and someone is now threatening to post them:
- That is a crime.
- It is still extortion.
- You can still call police.
Ohio law allows for criminal charges, including extortion, menacing, telecommunications harassment, and illegal dissemination of an image if minors are involved.
Final Advice
If someone threatens to expose you online, remember:
It’s a scam unless proven otherwise — and even then, it’s a crime.
Don’t panic. Don’t pay. Call the police.
