Yuma police warn of rise in online blackmail scams
Adrik Vargas
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is warning residents about a growing number of online scams involving blackmail, often starting on social media and leading to major financial losses, and in some cases, emotional trauma.
Scammers are targeting victims through social media, dating apps, and messaging platforms. According to police, they often pose as someone young and friendly, ask for explicit photos, and then threaten to release those images unless money is sent.
Local victims have reported losing between $50 and $80,000, sometimes their entire life savings.
“The majority of the cases are the elderly, the senior citizens,” said Officer Hayato Johnson with YPD. “Obviously, some of them are widowed, lonely or single, so they’ll target them, because they know they have a life savings so they know someway they’ll get money out of them.”
Police say most of these scams are being run by people overseas, making it difficult to track the criminals or recover the money.
“We’ve seen a lot of people get depressed over these cases,” Officer Johnson added. “Some have even taken their own lives.”
Rosie Decker, a concerned Yuma resident, says she’s been targeted before and urges others to be cautious.
“I think the best thing that they can do is just anything that comes from your phone, even phone calls, don’t answer it,” she said. “Just take your time and do your research.”
Police say if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
“If you suspect you’re being scammed, stop what you’re doing immediately,” said Johnson. “Don’t continue to prolong the relationship, or send any more money. Stop immediately and block the number.”