This is a serious challenge facing today’s youth. Photos and videos are impossible to retract. Taking an intimate ‘selfie’ and sharing it in a private message may seem harmless, however these photos can easily be shared and could resurface later in life, or in the form of extortion. The rule of thumb is if you do not know this person in real life, do not engage in anything you yourself wouldn’t post for all to see. For more information about sextortion, including resources for teens, schools, parents and caregivers visit the FBI sextortion webpage.
If you have any information about this crime, or have been approached by a similar predator recently please contact the Erie Police Department dispatch at 303-441-4444.