Last December the police already announced that several young people in Amsterdam and the surrounding area are victims of extortion via social media. Since then, according to the police, the problem has worsened: students are often approached via Snapchat with the story that they have to pay a fine because they have allegedly been a nuisance to someone. These amounts, often several hundred euros, must then be transferred.
“If the amount is not paid, there is a very serious threat to harm the victim or those close to him,” the police emphasize. It doesn’t stop there. In addition to threats, young people are told that they can receive a reduction on their fine if they provide the names of other young people. In this way they can also be extorted by the perpetrator(s).
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The police are investigating the incidents and would like to get in touch with the young victims. “Even if you are anxious or unsure about reporting the crime, we would still like to get in touch with you to look at the options together,” the police said. This makes it possible to file a report under an address other than your home address.
In addition, the target group is advised to talk to someone you trust if they have had to deal with this form of extortion. “Like a friend, your parents or a teacher. Don’t keep walking around with it!”