What is sextortion?

We are raising awareness of a type of scam known as ‘sextortion’ after receiving an increased number of reports in recent weeks.

We are raising awareness of a type of scam known as ‘sextortion’ after receiving an increased number of reports in recent weeks.

Sextortion can take different forms, but it often involves victims being lured into performing sexual acts to someone they have met online, over a webcam, without realising they are being recorded by criminals.

After the interaction fraudsters will attempt to extort money from their victim by threatening to share a video or photos of the sexual act online or via a message to their family and friends.

Victims are often targeted via social media, dating apps, webcams, or porn sites.

In some cases, victims have been known to lose thousands of pounds to sextortion scammers, who know that the shame and embarrassment of videos or photos being shared will be extremely distressing for victims.

This type of crime can affect anyone, but we know that young men are commonly targeted.

Social profiles featuring images of attractive young women are used by fraudsters to befriend people online, often with the caveat that they have mutual friends in common.

Sextortion can be committed by individuals, but organised crime gangs are usually behind it.

The video (above) from the National Crime Agency is good example of how someone might approach you online and the consequences that could follow. Please share this with anyone who you think may be unaware of this type of scam, to raise awareness.

What to do if you've been targeted:

• Don’t panic, help and support is available.
• Don’t pay.
• Save the evidence: Take screenshots. Save messages and images. Collect URL links to where the information is being shared online.
• Report it to social media companies if communication happened on these channels. For example, Facebook or Instagram.
• Report it to your internet service provider.
• Block all communication with the person targeting you.

Most social media sites have rules against sharing intimate content without consent. You should be able to get the material removed.

Report it:

We understand that it might be difficult to report this type of crime to us. Our officers are here to listen and to support you in any way we can.

You can report intimate image abuse to us in the following ways:

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
• Phone – call us on 101
• If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the Crimestoppers website.

The National Cyber Security Centre has further advice and information about different types of sextortion scams: Sextortion emails: how to protect yourself - NCSC.GOV.UK.