Sextortion Crimes A Recent Trend Near Aurora: Police

AURORA, IL — Aurora police are warning the community of a recent rise in sextortion crimes in the area.

Sextortion is the practice of extorting money or sexual favors from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity. Victims have responded to random numbers or unknown user profiles on social media, where they get solicited to send nude photos of themselves.

Police said oftentimes, offenders threaten victims to send money or else the images will be distributed.

So far this year, the Aurora Police Department has received 11 reports of sextortion, Lieutenant Joseph Howe told Patch.

The department published an informational post on Facebook Wednesday to make the public aware of the trend, both national and local, Howe said.

Police are warning the community not to share private photos of themselves with strangers. If someone needs further assistance with a potential crime, they should contact law enforcement, officials said.