VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A U.S. Navy sailor stationed in Virginia Beach was scammed out of $4,700 after connecting with a fake profile on the dating app Tinder, according to investigators. Authorities say the case is part of a rising trend of sextortion scams targeting military personnel and young adults.
Scam Began With Fake Dating Profile
According to court records obtained by WTKR News 3, the sailor matched with a woman who identified herself as “Daisy,” claiming to be 20 years old. The two exchanged text messages, and she sent him two explicit photos.
Shortly after, the sailor received a call from a man pretending to be a Norfolk police officer, followed by another call from someone claiming to be Daisy’s father.
The alleged “father” told the sailor that Daisy was actually 15 years old and claimed she had attempted self-harm after being caught taking the photos. He demanded the sailor pay half of her hospital bills to avoid legal trouble.
Victim Pays Nearly $5,000 Out of Fear
Fearing arrest and public humiliation, the sailor sent more than $4,700 to the scammers, believing it would resolve the situation…