Arlington, MA – The Arlington Police Department and Arlington Public Schools are issuing an urgent warning to students and families about a concerning rise in social media scams targeting students.
Scammers are posing as peers and connecting with students on popular social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat. These individuals are reportedly sending fake nude photos to students and then requesting that the students share similar photos of themselves. Once the scammers obtain these images, they demand money from the student. If the student refuses to pay, the scammer threatens to release the photos to the student’s friends and family.
What to Do if You or Someone You Know Is Targeted:
- Do not respond to threats and under no circumstances should money be sent.
- Cease communication with the scammer and block them on all social media platforms.
- Report the incident to the Arlington Police Department immediately.
“In the past week, several students have fallen victim to this scam,” said Julie Flaherty, Chief of Police for Arlington. “If you or your child becomes a victim of an online scam involving explicit images, it is critical to report the situation immediately to the police. Protecting our community members from online exploitation is a top priority, and we are here to help.”
Superintendent Homan adds, “We encourage families to have open and honest conversations with their children about the risks of sharing personal content online. We also encourage caregivers to monitor their teens’ social media accounts. It is essential for students to know that they are not alone and that help is available if they are victimized. We will be sharing resources on how to identify and report scam activity with our middle and high school students in the coming weeks.”
Guidance for Parents: How to Talk to Your Children About Social Media Safety
Parents play an important role in preventing online exploitation. Here are some tips to help you address this sensitive issue with your children.
- Create a Safe Space for Communication:
- Reassure your child that they can come to you without fear of judgment or punishment if something happens online.
- Emphasize that their safety is your top priority and that you are there to help.
- Discuss the Risks of Sharing Personal Content:
- Explain how online interactions can be manipulated and why sharing explicit images can be dangerous.
- Teach them to recognize red flags, such as unsolicited messages from strangers or unusual requests.
- Set Clear Boundaries for Social Media Use:
- Monitor your child’s social media activity and privacy settings to ensure their accounts are secure.
- Encourage them to avoid accepting friend requests or messages from people they do not know personally.
- There are several safety guards in students' phones that parents can activate to protect their child. Contact your phone company for more information.
- Empower Them to Say No:
- Teach your child to reject inappropriate requests and report such interactions immediately.
- Reinforce that they have the right to block and report anyone who makes them uncomfortable online.
- Stay Informed:
- Keep yourself updated on the latest social media trends and potential threats.
- Use this knowledge to guide your child in making safer choices online.
Superintendent Homan noted, “Families and Caregivers are our most important partners in ensuring students’ safety. By having open, honest, and proactive conversations, we can work together to protect our children from harm.”
The Arlington Police Department and Arlington Public Schools remain dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.
The Office of Communications and Family Engagement will be hosting a forum titled: A Family’s Guide to Phone Safety for their Child in the near future. Please submit any questions to be answered during the forum using this Google Form, and we will provide an update once the forum has been scheduled.
For more information or to report an incident, please contact the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212.
Dr. Elizabeth C. Homan
Superintendent of Schools
Arlington Public Schools
[email protected]
Julie Flaherty
Chief of Police
Arlington Police Department