Boston Police Issue Alert on Rising ‘Sextortion’ Scams Targeting Young People
The Boston Police Department (BPD) has issued a guide and alert to the public, particularly focusing on young adults and teenagers, regarding the escalating threat of 'sextortion'. This online crime involves criminals building trust, coercing victims into sending private images…
Boston, MA, August 6, 2026 —
The Boston Police Department (BPD) has released a public guide and alert addressing the growing prevalence of ‘sextortion’ scams, with a specific focus on young adults and teenagers.
‘Sextortion’ is described as an online crime where perpetrators establish trust with victims, often through social media platforms, before coercing them into sending private images or videos. Subsequently, criminals demand payment, threatening to release these private materials publicly if their demands are not met.
According to the alert, these deceptive schemes frequently originate on popular social media applications, including Instagram, Snapchat, and Wizz. The guide details the methods used by perpetrators to intimidate victims and outlines recommended actions for those who have been targeted, as well as preventative strategies.
The Boston Police Department aims to educate the public, particularly younger individuals who are frequent users of these online platforms, about the risks associated with sextortion. The alert emphasizes understanding the tactics employed by criminals and knowing the steps to take if victimized or how to avoid becoming a victim.
While the guide provides information on how these scams unfold and what steps can be taken, specific details regarding the number of reported incidents or the financial scope of these demands were not provided in the summary. The BPD’s initiative underscores a broader concern among law enforcement agencies about the rise of online exploitation targeting vulnerable populations.
Story summarized from the original created by Media Relations on police.boston.gov, see more information here.
