PRINCE GEOREG'S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) -- The Robbery Unit in Prince George's County is warning the community to stay vigilant after seeing an increase in reported extortion cases. Police said that in most cases, the victims met the suspect on social media. The suspect then pretended to be interested in a romantic relationship with the victim before persuading them to send nude or explicit pictures. After receiving the pictures, the person threatened to share the photos publicly unless the victim paid them. Thousands march on National Mall for crime survivors According to the PGPD, police have received 19 reports of these cases. However, police believe more than 30 exist. In 2023, police said the department received 23 reported cases and in 2022 they received two. If you are someone you know in the Prince George's County area is being extorted, police encourage them to: Call 911 to file a police report Report the suspect’s social media account through the platform which they contacted you Save the suspect’s profile information and messages to help police identify them Block the suspect from continuing to contact you Maryland State Police warn residents of Gmail scheme Anyone with information about these cases is encouraged to call 866-411-8477 or enter a tip online. Tips can remain anonymous. "The PGPD reminds all residents that we are dedicated to supporting victims and investigating these crimes. Complying with the suspect’s demands for money rarely stops the harassment," said police in a release.