August 6, 2026 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that the Thousand Oaks Police Department is warning parents and teenagers about a growing online crime known as sextortion, which is increasingly targeting young people through social media platforms, messaging apps, and online gaming.

In recent cases, juveniles have been contacted online by individuals posing as teenagers or young adults. After gaining the victim's trust, the suspect convinces the juvenile to send sexually explicit photographs or videos. Once the images are received, the suspect immediately demands money and threatens to send the images to the victim's family members, friends, classmates, or post them publicly if payment is not made.

Victims often experience overwhelming fear, embarrassment, and anxiety. Unfortunately, sending money rarely ends the extortion. In many cases, the suspect simply demands additional payments or continues making threats.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department encourages parents to have open conversations with their children about online safety. Teens should understand that anyone they meet online may not be who they claim to be, and that once an image is shared electronically, it can be impossible to control where it goes.

Parents are encouraged to:

Talk regularly with your children about their online activity.

Remind them never to send nude or sexually explicit images, even to someone they believe they know or trust.

Discuss the dangers of communicating with strangers online.

Encourage your child to come to you immediately if they receive threats or feel uncomfortable, without fear of punishment.

Teens should remember:

Never send intimate photos or videos to anyone.

Be cautious of anyone who quickly asks to move conversations to private messaging apps or request explicit images.

If someone threatens you or demands money, do not pay them.

Stop communicating with the individual, preserve screenshots and messages as evidence, and tell a trusted adult immediately.

If you or your child becomes the victim of sextortion:

Stop all communication with the suspect.

Do not send money or additional images.

Save screenshots, usernames, messages, and any payment requests.

Report the incident to the Ventura County Sherif’s Office, Thousand Oaks Police Department as soon as possible.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department remains committed to protecting children and educating the community about online safety. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay engaged in their children's digital lives and report suspicious online activity.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office