Area law enforcement agencies, including the University Police, have noticed a significant increase in “sextortion” cases. 

What is sextortion?

Sextortion is a criminal act that occurs when a suspect will demand something of value from a victim, typically money or images of sexual nature. The suspect will threaten to release or distribute material the victim seeks to keep private if payment is not made. This material often includes sexually explicit images, videos or text messages. The common scheme involves online chats with individuals that convince the victim to swap explicit photographs or participate in live explicit video chats, and then they are blackmailed with payment demands.

Guard yourself

• Never send anything of value to strangers. 
• Beware of individuals in chat rooms requesting anything from you, including explicit photographs. 
• Do not send payment to the suspects should you fall victim.
• Payment will not stop anyone from coming back and asking for more money.  

How to report sextortion and get support

• Report it to the Equity and Title IX office at equity.mst.edu/title-ix/reporting-option/
• Contact the University Police at 573-341-4300 or you may stop by and speak with an officer in person at 200 W. 12th St. in Rolla.