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.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Schools, Sheriff's Office: No Shooting Threat from Social Media Post
A social media post made rounds within the Cedar Ridge High School community and raised fears of a threat to safety on Thursday — but authorities say it was an older photo and investigators determined there is no “credible threat.” The Orange County Schools system and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office issued a joint release […]
Pair of Crashes Cause Significant Traffic, Emergency Responses in Orange County on Friday
As people are starting their travels for the Labor Day weekend, those around Hillsborough are experiencing significant traffic delays from separate crashes. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office alerted drivers to a crash along Interstate 85 near the county line with Durham just before 1 p.m. on Friday, sharing an aerial photo of a tractor trailer […]
Orange County Sheriff's Office Arrests, Charges Alleged Construction Material Thieves
After sharing photos of suspects in a theft investigation, the Orange County Sheriff's Office arrested and charged them on Wednesday.
Orange County Sheriff's Office: Sex Offender Arrested, Charged Over Child Porn
An Orange County resident and sex offender faces several counts of sexual exploitation of a minor following an investigation by North Carolina law enforcement and Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Orange County Reports First Fatality From Storm; Shelter Opens for Flood Victims
As the area continues assessing storm damage and waiting for high waters to recede, Orange County opened a public shelter at Smith Middle School.
Orange County Sheriff's Office Arrests Second Man in Connection to Break-In, Theft
The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced charges against two Rougemont men on Monday following an investigation into a residential break-in.
Orange County Sheriff's Office: 1 Arrested, 1 At Large After Attempted Burglary
A Durham man is wanted by local law enforcement after an attempted break-in and burglary of an Orange County business, a high-speed chase and car crash during the early hours of Thursday, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. A release Thursday afternoon said the office took out six felony warrants against 24-year-old Erlin Lopez […]
Orange County Sheriff's Office Investigating Discovery of Human Remains
Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are investigating human remains found off Hawk Ridge Road Saturday afternoon. According to a release, a person walking a dog found the remains at approximately 2 p.m. near the road, which is located off Dodsons Crossroad west of Chapel Hill. Investigators and a medical examiner are working to […]
2,500-Person Party Leads to Numerous Calls, Charges for Orange County Property Owner
An Orange County property owner is facing numerous charges after a party on his land attended by more than 2,500 people led to underage, intoxicated revelers wandering through traffic and numerous calls for assistance. Dwight B. Poole, 60, is charged with six counts of aiding and abetting people under the age of 21 to consume […]
Beyond the Ban: How TikTok’s Uncertain Future Affects Student Creators
At UNC, many student influencers make money off their TikTok fame. Now, those influencers are in limbo with the app's U.S. future in question.
›