March 22, 2023 by Hingham PoliceĀ
The Hingham Police Department has reported an increase of scams happening to teenagers using the SnapChat app. The victim receives a request from a Snapchat user that will typically disguise themself as a female. After an exchange of messages and photos, the suspect will request a nude photo of the victim, including their face. Once the photo is received, the suspect will extort the victim for money. If money is not received, the suspect will send the photo of the victim to their friends on social media, typically on Instagram through direct messaging.
Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to this scam:
-Never add someone on social media that you do not know. If they state they are someone you do know, then make every effort to verify their identity through other means.
-Never send out photos that are sexual/pornographic in nature regardless of who it is. Once these photos are sent out they are out there forever.
-If you do not recognize the user, or receive strange or inappropriate requests, block and report the user immediately.
-Report any suspicious online encounters to school administration or your school resource officer.
Young people are urged to block strangers and anyone who sends inappropriate messages, and report any incidents to school administrators.
“Never send out photos that are sexual/pornographic in nature regardless of who it is,” police warned. “Once these photos are sent out they are out there forever.”