Over the past several weeks the Prescott Police Department has seen a rise in reported theft by extortion cases, specifically targeting victims through social media platforms. The suspects in the most recent cases are starting relationships online with the victims. Once they have developed a rapport, they ask the victim to send sexually explicit pictures through social media. The suspects then demand money from the victim as payment to not release the photos to family and friends. Prescott Police say to use caution when communicating, especially with people you don’t know or just recently met, on social media. Never give out your personal information on social media and be suspicious of new friend requests from people you don’t know or new message requests. Also don’t send compromising photos at any time, especially through social media, and if you have kids, monitor their activity.