Blackmail scams — Message from Chief Kiederlen
Dear Warhawks,
UW-Whitewater Police are seeing an increase in reported behavioral blackmail scams involving college students.
These are situations where individuals are caught on video/photo doing something inappropriate or they have shared intimate photos with a blackmailer, who then threatens to publish the video or photographs on social media unless payment (money or other favors) is made immediately.
Tips to stay safe:
- Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know on any social media platform, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, or any dating app. Some people have been tricked into following and sending intimate photos to someone impersonating a celebrity, talent scout, singer or athlete.
- Keep apps and privacy settings set to the strictest levels possible.
- Do not share compromising photos with anyone, even dating partners. Not all relationships last forever or end on amicable terms. Do not save intimate photos on your device.
- Do not send any form of payment to individuals who are attempting to blackmail you in exchange for not sharing the photos.
If you are the victim of a blackmail scam, contact us at 262-472-4660 or police@uww.edu. We are here to help you. Blackmail is a Class H felony in Wisconsin and is punishable by up to six years in state prison, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both imprisonment and a fine.
Matt Kiederlen
Chief of Police