Asked in Criminal Law, Internet Law and Sexual Harassment for Colorado

Q: What to do if im being threatened with authoritative action

Used to use a dating app, matched with someone who wanted to text right away. Didn't think much of it, first thing they did was send a very pixelated lewd photo. Well couple hours later I get a call from someone claiming to be the father and saying the girl was actually 16. I never sent anything to them photo wise. Has me pay $900 for a laptop that got damaged. Panicked so I did it. Now I'm

Having to pay 1300 which has put me in a bad place financially, got 300 left but I'm afraid whats going to happen since I have no more income and they are threatening on going to the police. This doesn't feel right but I'm also really afraid if this is real since they are making me pay to avoid police intervention. This has been going on since about the middle of the year.

1 Lawyer Answer
Douglas T. Cohen
Douglas T. Cohen
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Denver, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: Although I can’t comment on the specifics of any particular matter here, generally what you describe sounds like a scam to extort you.

When police do online undercover stings, they cannot use any lewd photos of minors. Anyone who demands money instead of reporting a suspect to police is likely perpetrating a scam.

Sean Maye agrees with this answer

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