MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Police have reported at least four cases fraud and extortion since the start of the fall semester last week.
Police issued a campus community notice Monday.
WVU Police Sherry St. Clair said also under investigation are several “sextortion” complaints, where students are ordered to meet monetary demands or the suspect will distribute private or sensitive material.
“We’ve had several calls that have come in over the last week of people being victims of fraud or extortion for pictures they’ve sent across the internet that they don’t want to get out,” St. Clair said.
“Sextortion” cases can begin when personal or sensitive images are sent to someone as part of developing a relationship. When the suspect demands money in exchange for not sharing the material the student learn of the scam.
“Anytime you’re talking to someone on the internet make sure you know who they are,” St. Clair said. “I would never send any pictures that are inappropriate or you don’t want everyone to see.”
Contacting the police as quickly as possible is the safest thing a student can do if they believe they are the victim of a scam, fraud, or extortion attempt.
“In at least one or two of these cases once they send the money then they ask for the next amount, then they ask for the next amount,” St. Clair said. “They will continue to ask for money if you continue to give it to them.”
In another case, a student received demands for funds following a fraudulent check deposit.
Here are some tips to protect yourself and others:
• NEVER send compromising images of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are or who they say they are.
• Do not open attachments from people you do not know. Links can secretly hack your electronic devices using malware to gain access to your private data, photos, and contacts, or control your web camera and microphone without your knowledge.
• Be skeptical and ask questions when communicating with someone new, especially when it comes to unsolicited calls or text messages.
• If someone you do not know asks for money, do not send it. Call the police immediately. If you send them money, there is a high likelihood that money won’t be returned even after an investigation is complete.
• Turn off electronic devices and web cameras when not in use.
Students who get involved in these types of crimes are urged to contact police as soon as possible. Investigative matters such as these are confidential and students are asked to work with police to prevent this from happening to others.
“Make sure you know who you’re talking to and if anything is offered free and seems too good to be true it probably is,” St. Clair said. “I would make sure you’re checking everything to the fullest before you send any money or conduct a transaction.”
WVU Police can be reached by phone at 304-293-3136 or 304-293-2677, in person at 886 Chestnut Ridge Road, or via the LiveSafe app.