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It’s Valentine’s Day, the perfect time for a romance-scam reminder.
Earlier this month, a Palos Hills resident looking for on-line affection recently reported becoming victim to an online blackmail scheme, police said.
The Palos Hills resident reportedly met someone through the messaging app Telegram and, after sharing personal information and explicit photos, became the target of extortion. The case remains under investigation.
Palos Hills Deputy Chief Tony Carroccio, while unable to share specific details due to the ongoing investigation, noted that these types of cases are becoming more common.
“People are getting more comfortable with online relationships, but unfortunately, so are scammers,” Carroccio said.
In this case, the victim provided not only private images but also financial details. “He sent a picture of his credit card front and back and his ID, and then they started using his money,” Carroccio said.
This situation in Palos Hills mirrors a nationwide trend. Online extortion—often called sextortion—is on the rise. The FBI has reported a significant increase in cases, particularly targeting young adults and teens. Thousands of victims report incidents each year, with criminals often operating from overseas to evade detection.
Illinois law enforcement has also issued multiple warnings about scams where victims are coerced into sending explicit images, only to be blackmailed for money or further compromising material.
“A lot of these cases go unreported because people are embarrassed,” Carroccio said. “They don’t want anyone to know what happened. But reporting it is the best way to fight back.”
Scammers often create fake profiles using AI-generated images or stolen pictures from real social media accounts to appear legitimate. They build trust quickly, manipulate victims into sharing personal content, and then use it as blackmail.
To avoid falling victim to online extortion, cybersecurity experts suggest:
- Think before you share: Be mindful about sending personal or explicit content online.
- Verify identities: Cross-check profiles before engaging in private conversations.
- Check photos: Use reverse image searches to confirm if a profile picture is stolen from another account.
For those who become victims of online blackmail, Carroccio urges them not to face it alone. “The best thing you can do is report it right away,” he said. “You’re not the only one this has happened to, and we want to help.”
As online dating grows in popularity, so do the risks. This Valentine’s season, experts emphasize that a little skepticism can go a long way in safeguarding privacy and peace of mind.
The post Happy Valentine’s Day, beware of online extortionists appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.
