Social media scam targets young adults

A new scam targeting young men and women has begun to make the rounds in Sheridan County.

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Sheridan County Sheriff Levi Domiguez and Undersheriff Lieutenant Devearux Johnson spoke on the techniques used by the scammers to blackmail younger residents through social media platforms. Undersheriff Johnson told listeners that most of the scams reported to the Sheriff’s Office target seniors, but not all of them.

Although many of the reports concern individuals in their 20’s, the Sheriff told listeners that reports have come from victims still attending high school. 

The Sheriff suggested having a conversation with teenagers regarding safe practices when using social media platforms to protect themselves and their information. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  research shows that teens whose parents use effective monitoring practices are less likely to make poor decisions, such as having sex at an early age, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, being physically aggressive, or skipping school. Clear communication about expectations is especially important according to the CDC. There is evidence that teens who believe their parents disapprove of risky behaviors are less likely to choose those behaviors.

If you feel that you or a loved one is a victim of these or other types of scams, report the incident to the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office at 307-672-3455.