OSAGE COUNTY — Osage County Sheriff Michael Bonham warns residents about a growing online extortion scheme that uses artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as “deepfakes,” after a recent report from a local victim.

According to the sheriff’s office, the scam typically begins on social media platforms, messaging apps, or through friend requests. Offenders initiate casual conversations and gradually build familiarity or trust. Once contact is established, scammers gather photos from public profiles or other online sources and use AI technology to manipulate those images into fake explicit or otherwise compromising content.

The scammer then threatens to release the fabricated images or make false accusations to family members, friends, schools, or employers unless the victim sends money or provides additional images. In some cases, authorities say, no real compromising images exist at all, and the content is entirely AI-generated. Despite this, the threats are designed to create fear, shame, and a sense of urgency.

Bonham emphasized that victims should not feel embarrassed or isolated.

“This is a serious crime that preys on fear and embarrassment. We want our community to know two things: these images are often fake, and victims are not alone. Please report it,” he said.

The sheriff’s office advises residents to be alert for common warning signs associated with the scam, including a new online contact who becomes unusually personal or intimate very quickly, requests to move conversations off mainstream social media platforms to private or encrypted messaging apps, and threats involving images the victim does not remember taking. Other red flags include demands for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or additional images, along with pressure to respond quickly or keep the communication secret. In many cases, scammers encourage victims to download encrypted apps such as Signal to continue the conversation.

Anyone who believes they may be targeted is urged not to send money or additional images, and to immediately stop communicating with the scammer. Victims should save all messages, usernames, phone numbers, email addresses, and screenshots connected to the interaction.

Incidents should be reported to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office. Victims may also consider filing a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov, which tracks and investigates online fraud and extortion cases nationwide.

Bonham also encourages parents and guardians to speak with children and teens about online safety, privacy settings, and the risks of sharing personal images. Authorities note that both adults and minors can be targeted by these scams.

The investigation involving the Osage County victim is ongoing. To protect the individual involved, no additional identifying information will be released.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim, or who has information related to these scams, is asked to contact Detective Sutton at the Osage County Sheriff’s Office or call 573-897-3927.