December 1, 2022
Online and App Scams Target College-aged Students Too!
Posted in: Announcements, Featured News, Red Hawk News, Safety
The University Police Department has seen an increase in reports of fraud and extortion related to both fake job offerings or dating fraud. These scams are not selective of Montclair State University necessarily but are generic in nature and targeted to vulnerable individuals. Scammers consistently target college-aged students through email and apps such as Snapchat and Instagram.
There is a common “sextortion” scam that is being seen in all corners of the globe. Scammers posting as young women or men begin a conversation flirting with an unsuspecting individual on Snapchat or Instagram, ask the person to switch to another platform or app, and then solicit sexual pictures. When the photos or videos are sent, the scammer immediately sends a demand for money via Cashapp or Venmo and threatens to share the photos with the victim’s contacts on the app. In an online environment it can be difficult to navigate who is real and who is not. We strongly urge all to be sure they know who they are sending information or photos to.
If for some reason you find yourself in a situation where someone is demanding money – stop immediately and know your police agency here at Montclair State University will work to help you as best we can with care to your privacy. The scammers will be relentless for money and become threatening despite many times being thousands of miles away – your fear is real and we can help start the process of ending the harassment.
A few recommendations to keep a safer profile:
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact University Police at 973-655-5222 and you may also use the E-TIPS texting service.
Chief Kieran Barrett
Interim Chief of Police
Montclair State University Police Department
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