A Criminologist's Warnings About Sextortion, Phony Websites & Cash App Scams

Today's show features advice from Criminologist, Dr. Judy Christman Yates. First, Dr. Yates gives advice on Spotting Phony Websites and reviews six ways to tell if a website is credible. This information is drawn from an article by the University of Wisconsin. https://uknowit.uwgb.edu/page.php?id=... Tip: Go to your web browser and type in the name of a person, business, or organization followed by the word 'scam' or 'complaint', and see what comes up. Next, Dr. Yates reviews what to do when a stranger unexpectedly sends you money on Cash Apps such as Venmo, Zelle, or Pay Pal. https://lifehacker.com/don-t-return-t... , 12/9/22 The last topic covered by Yates is a vile crime aptly coined, 'Sextortion.' Today, predators use phones to stalk and blackmail teens on social media and dating apps. Sextortion — the act of threatening to share nude or explicit images — is more common than you may think, and cases affecting young children, teens and adults have increased exponentially in the past two years. In fact, Homeland Security Investigations received over 3,000 sextortion tips in fiscal year 2022. If you or a family member has been a victim of sextortion, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov. The FBI also has staff dedicated to assisting victims of crime. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-y... Remember, all ages can be taken in by scams. Here are some tips for Talking to Your Kids and Grandkids about Fraud: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-frau... , CHRIS GASH, By Sari Harrar, AARP, December 02, 2022 If you have been a victim, report crimes to: Local law enforcement IC3.gov (FBI Internet Computer Complaint Center) ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission); FTC is excellent resource of information Better Business Bureau and AARP also have excellent information about fraud. If you'd like advice from Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson, or if you'd like to tell your story on Scam Squad, call the Santa Barbara County Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.