The NYPD is alerting the public to an alarming scam where disturbing pictures have been used in attempts to extort money from victims on the South Shore of Staten Island.
Victims are being sent texts with bogus threats to kill family members if money isn’t paid.
Perpetrators sometimes send photos of the victim’s children that previously were posted on social media by family. Images of dismembered bodies also have been shared by the scammers, according to a post by the NYPD’s 123rd Precinct on Twitter.
Police are urging parents to upgrade their privacy settings on social media.
“I am going to kill you and your family if you do not send $1,000 NOW,” said one text message shared by the NYPD on Twitter. “See this picture of your kids. I know where you live.”
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