Photo: Getty Images
HINGHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the Hingham Police Department raised an alarm to a recent string of scams that have targeted teenagers over Snapchat, asking for nude photos and blackmailing them for money once said photo is received.
Police say the schemes start out with a Snapchat user that's disguised as a female asking for a nude picture of the victim, with their face included in the shot. Once the victim fulfills their request, the suspect begins to extort them for money, threatening to share the photos by direct messaging the victims' friends if the funds aren't transferred.
Read More: Mass. Social Workers Push For Sex Education, School Meals
Hingham Police provided a list of preventative steps a Snapchat or similar social media app user can follow:
- Never add a stranger on social media and work to identify the person you're communicating with.
- Never send photos that are sexual or pornographic in nature, regardless of who the subject is. Officials remind the public that despite Snapchat's functionally to delete older photos, that can be overridden with screenshots and setting changes.
- Report and block any stranger making inappropriate requests online.
- High school students should report any suspicious online encounters to their school administration or resource officer.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App