Authorities in North Iowa are alerting parents and teenagers of sextortion schemers targeting teens.
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office (CGCSO) says they have received similar reports of online harassment in which teenage victims are being coerced into sending nude photos of themselves to someone they have been communicating with via a social media app. When the victims send the photos, the other person then demands gift card information or they will post the pictures of the victims on social media.
The Sheriff’s Office says some victims have bought the gift cards and given the card information to the scammer. Once that happens, the monetary amount placed on the card by the victims is immediately removed.
CGCSO cautions parents to be vigilant and monitor their children’s on-line activities and talk with their children about on-line scams and on-line predators.
If your child has been targeted by this type of scam or any scam, you are asked to report the information to your local law enforcement agency.
