By Payton Tholstrup

The Junction City Police Department (JCPD) has warned the community of a scam that is currently being used to exploit individuals financially.

First, victims are matched with a profile on dating platforms; the profile soon asks if they can switch to text messaging.

After that, victims receive a call from someone impersonating a detective from JCPD. The scam tells them the person they interacted with on the dating app was a minor.

Then, the scammer begins to demand significant amounts of money, claiming this is the way to prevent criminal charges.

JCPD would like to remind everyone that they will never request money from anyone over the phone. No one who is truly a law enforcement officer will ever call citizens to request money, or demand payment to avoid criminal charges.

If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately and do not engage with the caller. Then report it immediately to JCPD or your local law enforcement agency.