A U. of I. student reported being the victim of an internet-based scam. The student was contacted via direct message on Instagram by an unknown account. The unknown user asked the student if they could use photos from his profile for an art project and told him he would be compensated. The student agreed and was emailed three checks totaling $2,100. After depositing the checks, the student was asked for proof of the deposits, which he provided. The offender then asked the student to send them money for art supplies. The student became suspicious of the unknown individual, reported his [...]

A U. of I. student reported that she attempted to purchase four concert tickets she saw for sale on the social media app GroupMe. The student paid $500 for the ticket via Zelle and was asked to provide proof of her identity by posing with her university student ID on her forehead. Once the transaction was complete, the offender ceased contact with the student, who then contacted police.

A U. of I. student reported receiving an email from someone purporting to be her boss. The fake boss instructed her to purchase Apple and Target gift cards as part of a surprise to reward her coworkers for their hard work. After buying the gift cards at Walgreens, the offender instructed the student to send the card information via email. The student purchased 15 gift cards totaling $4,050. The student began to get suspicious, ceased contact with the offender and contacted police.

A U. of I. student reported that he was the victim of extortion. The student exchanged private messages with an unknown person on Instagram before the conversation moved to Snapchat. After exchanging explicit photos and videos, the offender demanded the student send $300 under threat of sending the videos to his friends. The student complied, and the offender asked for more money. In total, the student sent $800. The offender asked for an additional $200, but the student ceased communication with the offender and contacted police.