Sheriff Pope’s Message of the Week on Friday, September 18, 2026

Lyon County NV – September 18, 2026

Predators are using online gaming, social media, and other apps to contact your children. This is not a new phenomenon, but there has been an uptick in extortion attempts in recent months. What do I mean by extortion attempts?

Online predators are posing as teenage girls and boys on gaming apps or social media, and befriending teenagers. After trust is gained, the online predator asks the unsuspecting teen for compromising photographs, most frequently nude photographs. Once the predator has the photographs, they then threaten to release the photographs to the teen’s friends, family, and general social media audience unless a ransom is paid. Some of the cases are reported, but many go unreported due to embarrassment.

Online predators are actively looking for opportunities to contact children. They can hide behind fake names, fake profiles, gaming accounts, and false identities. They may spend weeks or months building trust with a child before attempting to exploit them.

PARENTS, KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

-Your child becomes unusually secretive about their phone or computer.

-They receive messages from people they don’t know.

-Someone online asks them to keep their conversations secret.

-They are offered gifts, money, gaming credits, or other incentives.

-Someone asks for photos, videos, personal information, or their location.

-An online contact pressures them to move to another messaging app.

-Your child becomes anxious, withdrawn, angry, or upset after using their device.

-They suddenly have online “friends” they’ve never met in person.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO:

-Know which apps and games your children use.

-Know who they are communicating with.

-Review privacy and messaging settings.

-Talk to your children regularly about online safety.

-If something concerning happens, preserve messages, usernames, screenshots, and other evidence.

-If you believe your child is being targeted, exploited, or threatened, contact law enforcement.

Predators are skilled at manipulating children and gaining their trust. Make sure your children know they can come to you, even if they made a mistake online.

The most important tip is to talk with your child regularly about online safety. Your child’s online activity deserves the same attention as their safety in the real world.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office encourages every parent to BE INVOLVED. BE AWARE. BE PROACTIVE.

Protecting our children is a top priority, but we need parents to be more vigilant in the online world.