MSP warning of online scam targeting minors

EASTON, Md. – Maryland State Police are warning the public of an online scam involving the sexual extortion of minors.

Police say they have received numerous reports of minors being contacted by other social media users who began chatting with them on various messaging services such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Investigators believe online predators may often give the impression that they are romantically interested in the minor being targeted in order to gain their trust. As the conversations progress, the suspect user will request sexually illicit photos of the minor and may even send photos back to the minor in return.

If a minor sends a sexually illicit photo of themselves to the suspect account, the user will then demand that the minor send them money, typically in the form of gift cards and prepaid credit card numbers that are readily available at most stores. The suspect accounts reportedly tell the minor that if money is not sent, the illicit photos will be sent to family, friends, and posted online with distasteful comments about the minor. Investigators say that, while not always, the suspect accounts typically originate from foreign countries which significantly limits the ability to formally identify a suspect.

Law enforcement is urging parents and guardians to talk to and educate their children about the importance of online safety. Additionally, parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s use of all digital devices, including laptops, tablets, desktop computers, and smartphones.