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West Virginia University Police confirmed at least four cases of fraud and extortion including sextortion since classes began last week.
“We advise that you only interact online, via social media, by phone, or by text with people you know,” Chief Sherry St. Clair said. “If you think you may be a victim of fraud or extortion of any kind, call the police immediately. There is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. We want to help.”
Sextortion is a unique form of digital harassment where a victim is threatened with the exposure of intimate images if they don’t pay.
The reports at WVU follow a national trend so disturbing that Matt Harvey, US Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, has released a Public Service Announcement to warn parents and potential victims.
“These criminals pressure teens into sending private images, then turn to intimidation and threats to demand money,” he said in the online video.
Because perpetrators are often overseas, prosecution is rare. Harvey’s office hopes to prevent panic that leads to tragedy.
“Studies have shown 25% of suicide attempts occur within 5 to 10 minutes,” Harvey said. “If you can get them through the first hour, the chances that they make an attempt on their own life decrease by 70%.”
WVU Police offer the following tips for preventing sextortion:
• NEVER send compromising images of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are or who they say they are.
• Do not open attachments from people you do not know. Links can secretly hack your electronic devices using malware to gain access to your private data, photos, and contacts, or control your web camera and microphone without your knowledge.
• Be skeptical and ask questions when communicating with someone new, especially when it comes to unsolicited calls or text messages.
• If someone you do not know asks for money, do not send it. Call the police immediately. If you send them money, there is a high likelihood that money won’t be returned even after an investigation is complete.
• Turn off electronic devices and web cameras when not in use.
Harvey said sextortions should be reported. Though it’s rare for photos to be posted online, in such cases a take down service can help parents and victims under 18 remove any images that do get posted.