West Virginia University Police issued a Community Notice Friday, urging members of the University community to be cautious with online, phone and text interactions after at least five reports in recent months of alleged fraud and harassment schemes targeting students.
The cases include multiple “sextortion” complaints, with students reporting that someone threatened to distribute private and sensitive material if monetary demands were not met.
“Our advice is to only interact online, via social media, or by phone call or text with people you know,” Chief Sherry St. Clair said. “Be skeptical and ask questions, especially when it comes to unsolicited calls or text messages.”
Here are some additional tips for protecting yourself and others:
- NEVER send compromising images of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are or who they say they are.
- If someone you do not know asks for money, do not send it. Call the police immediately. If you send them money, there is a high likelihood it won’t be returned, even after any investigation is complete.
- Do not open attachments from people you do not know. Links can secretly hack your electronic devices using malware to gain access to your private data, photos and contacts, or control your web camera and microphone without your knowledge.
- Turn off electronic devices and web cameras when not in use.
“‘Sextortion’ can start on any site, app, messaging platform or game where people meet and communicate,” St. Clair said. “In some cases, the first contact may be a threat, with the person claiming to already have a revealing picture or video that will be shared if the victim does not send more pictures.”
Many times, St. Clair said, victims believe they are communicating with someone their own age who is interested in a relationship or offering something of value.
If you are receiving “sextortion” or other suspicious threats, stop all interactions immediately and contact law enforcement.
WVU Police can be reached by phone at 304-293-1012 or 304-293-4357, in person at 886 Chestnut Ridge Road, or via the LiveSafe app.
“Please do not be embarrassed or afraid to report these scams to law enforcement,” St. Clair said. “Many people are targeted by these types of crimes. We are here to help.”
External Resources:
Additional Resources:
- WVU Police Department — 911, 304-293-2677, 304-293-3136
- WVU CARE Team — 304-293-5611
- WVU Carruth Center — 304-293-4431
- WVU Office of Compliance and Prevention Education — 304-293-5600
- WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities — 304-293-8111
- WVU Faculty-Staff Assistance Program — 304-293-5590
- Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center — 304-292-5100
- WVU Office of Campus and Community Life — 304-293-5611
- WVU Student Health — 304-285-7200
- WVU Division of Student Life — 304-293-5811
Safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at police.wvu.edu.
Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafety on X and @WVUsafetyofficial on Instagram, and to download the LiveSafe app and allow push notifications for the latest safety information.
A Community Notice is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.
