Parents Report Instagram Account Targeting Boys: Fishers Police

FISHERS, IN — The Fishers Police Department said several parents reported this week that a person, identifying as "Tyler Schultz," was contacting their junior high-aged sons asking to be friends, and asking them to send pictures of their hands. The Fishers Police Department Intelligence Unit and Investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force were immediately notified, police said.

Police said during the investigation authorities found the person using the name Tyler Schultz has more than 20 social media accounts using several variations of his name, but there is no evidence a crime has been committed.

However, police said because the social media activity is very suspicious, the department wants to remind families of social media safety tips and resources.

• Make sure your social media platforms are set to the highest security settings and that these settings are checked often.
• Please be aware of your children’s activity on social media by checking their devices often and talking with them about the dangers of social media.
• Do not engage in conversations with strangers as any information you share could potentially be used for criminal activity.
• Immediately report suspicious activity to your local police department. This applies to all types of suspicious activity. Immediate notification allows officers to quickly address and resolve the situation.

>> Additional resources

Image via Shutterstock