MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Following six reports to West Virginia University Police in January involving alleged fraud and harassment schemes targeting students, members of the campus community are being urged to use caution when interacting with others online, via social media, and when receiving unsolicited phone calls or text messages.
The cases include multiple “sextortion” complaints, with students reporting someone was threatening to distribute private and sensitive material if monetary demands were not met.
A separate case was a “government impersonator scam,” in which the scammer called the victim, falsely claimed to be a law enforcement officer, and indicated the victim was going to be arrested for missing jury duty unless a payment was made. Such “sextortion” and “government impersonator scams” are not uncommon.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in “sextortion” cases, most victims report the initial contact with the fraudster is mutual and made using dating websites and apps.
Soon after the encounter, the fraudster requests the interaction be moved from the website or app to another messaging platform.
Officials with WVU stress that it is important to remember that scammers will use all different types of aliases and scenarios to scare and pressure a victim into paying quickly. Government agencies will not call, email or text you and ask for money or personal information
Those at WVU involved in a government impersonator scam can report it to the WVU Police Department by calling (304) 293-2677.