“Sexting” scam

Beware of this “Sexting” scam.

I have been contacted recently by five young men who have each called in a panic about the following scam.

Each began texting with a “woman” on a dating app.

The texts get progressively more sexual in nature.

The “woman” then sends a naked picture of “herself”, always from the neck down so her face is not revealed.

A few more texts are exchanged after that.

Then “her dad” calls:

“You have been ‘sexting’ with my 15-year-old daughter!

You have ruined her life!

She needs extensive therapy because of you!

You have committed a crime!

We can settle this by you paying her psychologist bills, which are [usually from less than a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000] or I’m calling the cops!”

The next call comes from a “police officer.” The caller ID often shows a traceable police station telephone number, which they easily manipulate with their phone.

The person posing as law enforcement reiterates what the “dad” claimed. And threatens to file criminal charges if this is not “resolved with her dad.” (Police would never do this.)

Usually, the “dad” demands payment through a cash app and sometimes by some form of cryptocurrency.

Understand that these actors are very convincing. Do not agree to anything without first getting advice from an attorney you trust.

If you want to discuss anything with me, call me on 513-300-4012 at any time necessary.