Release posted on 06/05/2023 at 9:47 a.m.

St. Petersburg Police is warning the public about an increase in online sexting extortion. The graphic sent out on social media is attached.

Detectives have noticed an alarming trend in cases involving people sending nude photos by phone/online to fake romantic partners, then being threatened that they will be posted publicly to their friends and family members unless they pay up.

From January 1 - June 1, detectives investigated 34 cases involving victims- both underage and adults. This is more than twice the number reported to police last year during that same time frame.

The most common scenario is that the victim meets the person on a dating app, and after romantic exchanges, they are encouraged to share nude photos. Then the blackmail (extortion) begins.

These cases are different from the so-called "revenge porn" in that, in most cases, there isn't an in-person relationship and the online partner is a scammer.

Detective Henry Snowden will be available to speak to interested members of the press. Please notify the Public Information office, 727-893-7550, if you'd like to set up a time to speak to him.