The Parke County Sheriff's office has warned of an uptick of reports that they've been receiving regarding a Snapchat scam going around that is targeting teens, although adults and younger children are not exempt.

Agencies all over are receiving these same reports.

Victims are receiving friend requests from another Snapchat user. A user that they’re typically not familiar with or recognize. The victim accepts the friend request. Messages and photo exchanges begin to take place between the two. Often the new “friend” starts requesting that the victim send a nude photo of themselves, including their face. Once the photo is sent, the user (suspect) on the receiving end attempts to extort the sender for money. Once the sender declines to send funds, the suspect user sends the victim's photo out to the victim's friends list / contacts, typically via Instagram messenger.

Additionally, the suspects are gaining access to the victims entire camera rolls and photo shopping them on to naked images. Some victims have chosen to pay the money requested.

Parents and adult parties are urged to talk to their teens/children and remind them (and themselves) of the following:

1. NEVER accept friend requests from anyone that you do not know. If they’re insistent they know you, verify them through all ways possible before accepting their request.

2. Report and block any and all inappropriate users and messages.

3. NEVER send any photos out that are sexual or pornographic in nature. Once those photos are sent, there is no getting them back and preventing them from being sent on to other parties.

4. Sending money to these parties is also strongly discouraged.

5. Protect your accounts. Change passwords often and ensure your privacy settings are set to protect you.