The Orange County Sheriff’s Office frequently warns community members of scams targeting seniors and those who may struggle to navigate technology. But on Thursday, the agency said its investigators received reports of a different kind of scheme.

In a release, the sheriff’s office said six people in recent weeks — including three on the same day — were sent text messages threatening to distribute nude photos of the recipients unless they sent money to the texter. Sextortion cases often may involve the victim forming an online friendship or relationship with someone, and then either being tricked or being pressured to send naked photos.

“In reality,” Investigator Patrick Gilchrist with the sheriff’s office said on Thursday, “these profiles are usually fabricated by sophisticated criminals who understand adolescent and young adult psychology, and use this knowledge to manipulate their targets. The ‘relationship’ progresses, and eventually, the victim succumbs to pressure and complies with requests to send nude photos or provocative videos.”

Once those photos are sent, the scammer may begin demanding money and threatening to send the intimate pictures distributed to family members, friends, or employers if they do not pay the scammer. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in some cases, even if a victim initially refuses, the aggressor party begins to build pressure by sending screenshots of the victim’s family members’ social media profiles. The agency also warned that even if the victim does pay the extorter, even more money could be demanded.

“We encourage parents to remind their teen and young adult children about safe online activity,” said Gilchrist, “and repeatedly stress that no matter how secure it feels, they should never share revealing photos of themselves. We also encourage everyone to review privacy settings, safeguard passwords, and utilize two-factor authentication.”

In its release, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office offered up resources to internet and social media users. The FBI, SBI, and the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force each have information and advice on their websites for those victimized by any sextortion scams. The office also said for local community members with questions or similar issues to call Investigator Patrick Gilchrist at (919) 245-2928.

 

Photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

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