‘Sextortion’ incidents being investigated in Long Beach

Authorities in Long Beach are investigating multiple “sextortion” incidents involving at least one suspect, police announced Wednesday.

The suspect or suspects tried to trade nude photos with victims alone, then threatened to make the images public if they do not pay up, the Long Beach Police Department said.

The victims met the suspect on social media and dating apps, police added.

“Victims were asked to `trade’ nude photographs with the suspect(s) through an app, then asked for a phone number and continued the conversation via text message,” police said in a news release. “Once phone numbers were exchanged, the suspect then sent texts demanding that money be sent, threatening to `leak’ the photos to the sender’s family, friends and employer if they did not comply. In some instances, they posted these images, even after receiving money.”

• To avoid becoming a “sextortion” victim, police are urging social media users to remember the following:
• Do not post information online such as your address, passwords or location. Keep your social media accounts private. People online can use your social media to find your friends’ and family’s accounts.
• Do not share your phone number with others on social media dating apps.
• Do not share nude photographs or videos with somebody you do not know personally or trust.
• Report suspicious activity `in-app’ and block suspicious accounts.
• Do not comply when someone online requests money or other digital currency.
• Save any messages, photos, user names and other information shared before blocking the person.
• Consider reporting the incident to the police department.

To file a report, LBPD dispatch can be reached at 562-435-6711.

Anyone with information or who may be a victim of sextortion was encouraged to contact the LBPD’s Sex Crimes Detail at 562-570-7368. Anonymous tips can be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.