Sextortion Cases Under Investigation in Long Beach

Long Beach Police Investigate Multiple Sextortion Incidents

Authorities in Long Beach are probing a series of sextortion cases involving at least one suspect, the Long Beach Police Department announced on Wednesday.

The suspect allegedly lured victims through social media and dating apps, where they exchanged nude photos. Following this exchange, the suspect threatened to release the images publicly if the victims refused to comply with demands for payment.

"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," the police stated in a news release. "Once phone numbers were exchanged, the suspect 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."

In light of these incidents, the police are advising users of social media and dating apps to take precautionary measures. Recommendations include:

• Avoid posting personal information, such as addresses or passwords, online.
• Keep social media accounts private to prevent easy access to friends’ and family accounts.
• Refrain from sharing phone numbers with individuals on dating apps.
• Do not send nude photographs or videos to anyone unknown or untrusted.
• Report any suspicious activity within the app and block questionable accounts.
• Resist requests for money or digital currency from unknown contacts.
• Retain any messages, images, usernames, and related information before blocking individuals.
• Consider reporting the incident to law enforcement.

For those wishing to file a report or who may be victims of sextortion, LBPD dispatch can be contacted at 562-435-6711. Additionally, anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the LBPD’s Sex Crimes Detail at 562-570-7368. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting the LA Crime Stoppers website.