Sour Lake PD reports scams

The Sour Lake Police Department reported it has received multiple reports of social media scams and issued a warning to teens and young adults.

“It starts with a seemingly innocent social media account friend request or add,” the department warned. “A conversation is started and then moved over various social media platforms. The perpetrator will then solicit nude photographs of the teen or young adult. Once the perpetrator has obtained these photos, they will threaten to send the photos to other friends of the victim on various forms of social media unless they are paid.”

SLPD reported payments are being requested by either gift cards, or through phone apps such as Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, etc. Most of the perpetrator accounts appear to originate from out of the country.

The police department urged teens and young adults not to accept friend requests or ads from individuals they do not know.

“Parents, please be vigilant and ensure that you are monitoring social media and observing any monetary transactions,” the department announcement urged.