Long Beach Police Department

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) is actively investigating multiple sextortion incidents. In response to these incidents, we are encouraging the community to practice safe online behavior and to understand their options if they fall victim.

Since May 2025, Sex Crimes detectives have been investigating a series of incidents where an unknown suspect(s) connected with victims on dating and social media apps. Victims were asked to “trade” nude photographs with the suspect(s) through an app, then asked for a phone number and continued the conversation via text message. Once phone numbers were exchanged, the suspect then sent texts demanding that money be sent, threatening to “leak” the photos to the sender’s family, friends, and employer if they did not comply. In some instances, they posted these images, even after receiving money.

To help prevent becoming a victim of sextortion, the LBPD advises the following:

• Do not post information online such as your address, passwords, or location.
• Keep your social media accounts private. People online can use your social media to find your friends’ and family’s accounts.
• Do not share your phone number with others on social media and dating apps.
• Use caution when sharing nude photographs or videos with somebody you do not know personally or trust.
• Report suspicious activity “in-app” and block suspicious accounts.
• Do not comply when someone online requests money or other digital currency.
• Save any messages, photos, usernames, and other information shared before blocking the person.
• Consider reporting the incident to the Police Department.

Call Police Dispatch at (562) 435-6711 to file a report or dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.

If you or someone you know has been targeted, help is available. Victims are not at fault, and reporting can prevent further harm to others.

Resources:

• YWCA Greater Los Angeles: 877-HELPS U/877-943-5778
• LBPD LGBTQ Police Liaison: Sgt. Lisa McCourt, lisa.mccourt@longbeach.gov
• Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Internet Safety: www.icactaskforce.org/internetsafety
• The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) Technology Safety: www.techsafety.org/resources
• Federal Trade Commission Scams: www.consumer.ftc.gov/scams
• Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): www.ic3.gov

Anyone with information or who may be a victim is encouraged to contact the Sex Crimes Detail at (562) 570-7368. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smartphone (available at the Apple app store or Google Play), or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.