LMPD, FBI warn of social media extortion scam targeting teens

LOUISIVILLE, Ky. – A social media warning has been issued after a social media scam.

The Louisville Metro Police Department stated in a social media post that they and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are urging parents to monitor their children’s social media.

LMPD calls it ‘sex-tortion’ because the scam is centered around explicit pictures. It all starts on Instagram, when the suspects pose as teen girls going after teen boys.

“The individual requests they go on Snapchat and request the boys send them the explicit photos on Snapchat,” stated LMPD.

While that happens, the suspects take screenshots of the boys’ Instagram friends list. That’s when the extortion starts.

“They tell them if they don’t send money to a CashApp or send payment in the form of gift cards, that they’re going to send these explicit images out to friends, family and schoolmates,” the video further stated.

The thing is, it’s not just a threat. Even if the boys pay, the pictures have still been sent out.

And it’s happening in Louisville – LMPD says there are two dozen cases locally. They also reminded that cases like this also can target young girls.

“It is very concerning, because a lot of parents do give their kids unlimited access to social media. That’s why it is so important for parents to talk to their kids, to monitor their kids social media, check their friends list and let them know that even friends of friends may not be safe to communicate with.”

Officials are telling parents to be aware before their kids click the shutter.

“Once the images are sent, these images can never be removed and these people are not afraid to publish those images.”