LONG BEACH, CA — The Long Beach Police Department said Wednesday that it’s investigating multiple sextortion incidents that victimized city residents.
Since May 2025, the LBPD’s Sex Crimes Division has been investigating a series of incidents where an unknown suspect(s) connected with victims on dating and social media apps.
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.
Once phone numbers were exchanged, the suspect then sent texts demanding that money be sent, threatening to send the photos to the sender’s family, friends, and employer if they didn’t comply. In some instances, they posted the images, even after receiving money.
To prevent becoming a sextortion victim, the LBPD is offering the following advice:
Don’t post information online such as your address, passwords, or location.Keep your social media accounts private. People online can use your social media to find your friends’ and family’s accounts.Don’t share your phone number with others on social media and dating apps.Use caution when sharing nude photographs or videos with somebody you do not know personally or trust.Report suspicious activity within the app, and block suspicious accounts.Do not comply when someone online requests money or other digital currency.Save any messages, photos, usernames, and other information shared before blocking the person.Consider reporting the incident to the Police Department.
To file a sextortion report, victims may call LBPD Police Dispatch at (562) 435-6711, or dial 911 for emergencies.
“If you or someone you know has been targeted, help is available,” a police spokesperson said. “Victims are not at fault, and reporting can prevent further harm to others.”