Mar 3, 2016 2 min read

State police are warning parents to be mindful of their children’s activity on social media after a North Bethlehem Township boy reportedly sent a nude photograph of himself to someone he believed was a girl he met through a texting application, only to be sent threats to share the image if he did not send money to the person.

Trooper Thomas Kress said the 15-year-old received a semi-nude photo of a girl over the KIK Messenger application last month. She then asked him to send her a nude photograph of himself, which he did, Kress said. The girl then threatened to send the photo to the boy’s family and friends unless her directions were followed, including sending money to another country.

“He did not know her,” Kress said. “She apparently sent him a friend request, which he accepted.”

After receiving what she claimed was a photograph of herself, which Kress said appeared to be a stock photo since it did not match the girl’s profile picture, the 15-year-old sent his photo and included his real name.

She then sent the threats, naming whom she planned to send his photograph to if he did not send money.

“The names were of his family and friends,” said Kress, adding it had not been determined how she obtained the names. “He panicked and attempted to send money, but it did not go through.”

The teen apparently attempted to send money through Western Union to a location in the Philippines, Kress said. The investigation is still continuing.

“Parents need to be aware of what their children are doing on social media,” Kress said. “One has been scammed. Kids need to know what can happen.”

Anyone who had a similar encounter is asked to call state police at 724-223-5200.