Long Beach police said Wednesday that they are examining multiple “sextortion” incidents involving at least one suspect who sought to trade nude photos with victims online, then threatened to share the images if they did not pay up.

Sex crimes detectives have been investigating the cases since May 2025. They involve “an unknown suspect (or suspects) who connected with victims on dating and social media apps,” according to the Long Beach Police Department.

“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,” police said in a news release. “Once phone numbers were exchanged, the suspect then 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.”

Police said there are steps that can be taken to avoid becoming a sextortion victim, and measures to keep in mind if victimized.

The LBPD advises the following:

— Do not 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.

— Do not share your phone number with others on social media and dating apps.

— Do not share nude photographs or videos with somebody you do not know personally or trust.

— Report suspicious activity `in-app’ and block suspicious accounts.

— Do not comply when someone online requests money or other digital currency.

— Save any messages, photos, user names and other information shared before blocking the person.

— Consider reporting the incident to the police department.

To file a report, LBPD dispatch can be reached at 562-435-6711.

“If you or someone you know has been targeted, help is available,” according to the LBPD. “Victims are not at fault, and reporting can prevent further harm to others.”

Anyone with information or who may be a victim of sextortion was encouraged to contact the LBPD’s Sex Crimes Detail at 562-570-7368. Anonymous tips can be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.