Glasgow police discuss increase in financial sextortion cases

GLASGOW, Ky. – The Glasgow Police Department is addressing a concerning trend being seen by law enforcement.

Sextortion can start on any site, app, messaging platform or game where people meet and communicate. According to the Glasgow Police Department, first contact with the criminal will be a threat in some cases.

Police say the person may claim to already have a revealing image or video of a minor that will be shared if they do not send more pictures.

Police say that often, this crime begins when minors may believe they are speaking to someone their own age that wants a relationship with them or someone offering something of value.

Authorities say after obtaining one or more images, these criminals threaten to publish the content or threaten violence to gain more images.

Police say shame, fear and confusion a minor may feel could prevent them from asking for help.

In addition, the Glasgow Police Department says law enforcement has seen an increase in financial sextortion targeting minor victims in the United States.

The difference in these cases is that an offender receives sexually explicit material from a minor and threatens to release those images unless the victim sends money or gift cards.

Police say the offender often releases the victim’s explicit images regardless of whether or not they receive money.

According to police, this increasing threat has resulted in an alarming number of deaths by suicide.

These crimes should be reported by contacting the Glasgow Police Department at 270-651-6165, or Tips@cityofglasgow.gov or you may call 1-800-CALL-FBI and report it online at tips.fbi.gov.