WATSONTOWN- A reminder from police about being careful when trying to meet someone online. Watsontown police contacted the Northumberland County District Attorney’s office to report a scam involving the internet app called “Skout.”
Police say a Watsontown man was almost a victim after meeting a young female online. The female solicited the man using her “Skout” profile suggesting she was 20-years-old. After nude photos were exchanged the female told him she was only 16-years-old. He was then threatened with arrest if he did not send $800 to the girl’s family.
A local store employee warned the man he was the subject of a scam. The man left the store and notified Watsontown police.
Law enforcement officials say the phone number used by the suspect has a South Carolina area code. No one answered when police called the number. They also report this number has been used in similar scams.
Police say the man did not commit a crime since the female indicated she was 20-years-old. The DA’s office warns anyone attempting to meet potential dates online to have the person state their age in writing and meet in a public place. (Matt Catrillo)