At least one reported case of sextortion A DAY in Merseyside
Merseyside Police are urging people to do what they can to avoid becoming victims of cyber-crime
Merseyside Police have revealed that more young people are falling victim to criminals who blackmail them into sending explicit content.
'Sextortion' refers to sharing information, images or videos of a sexual nature featuring the victim, unless they do something for them.
Merseyside Police received 530 reports of this type of crime between 1 April 2023 and 31 December 2023.
Detective Sargeant Steve Frame said:
"This is frightening for victims and that's one of the reasons why we're so keen to push the message to people on how to protect themselves and how to recognise it as a scam.
"We've seen predominantly people aged 23 are affected by this crime type, although it affects all section of society.
"Over one (report) a day (of sextortion) is reported to Merseyside Police, so it is something that we're concerned about and trying to tackle.
"The fear and helplessness experienced by victims is one of the reasons we're so keen to push the message of protecting yourselves online, being aware of who you're talking to, and recognising these scams for what they are, and knowing these are offences that can be reported to the police and we will help you."
Advice to protect yourselves online includes:
- Keeping control of your accounts by having strong and unique passwords
- Using, where available, multi-factor authentication
The force is also using Safer Internet Day to try and raise awareness around other types of cyber-crime, including sexting.
Detective Inspector John Black, from Merseyside Police Cyber Unit, said:
"Whilst this (sexting) might be done between consenting adults, problems can arise at a later date with non-consensual sharing of this content, leading to offences relating to what is often referred to as ‘revenge porn’.
"Of particular concern is sexting involving children and young people. It is of course an offence to make, distribute, possess or show indecent images of anyone aged under 18, even if the content was created with the consent of that young person.
"It should be remembered that indecent imagery is not limited to nudity, and the law is intended to protect children and not criminalise them.
"We urge parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with the warning signs that children may be at risk, and what to do if they think their child has been involved in sexting."
As part of Safer Internet Day, officers from Merseyside Police's Cyber Unit are giving talks in schools, universities, youth centres and community centres to help students protect themselves online and provide information and signposting for parents and teachers.
Advice is available at:
- www.saferinternet.org.uk
- www.childline.org.uk
- www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
- www.nspcc.org.uk
- www.thinkuknow.co.uk
- www.childnet.com
- www.parentinfo.org
- www.ncsc.gov.uk
Cyber-crimes can be reported by contacting the Merseyside Police social media desk on X @MerPolCC or on Facebook via 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre', or by reporting online here.
Anyone who has already paid a sextortion ransom or suspects they've become a victim of online fraud can report it to Action Fraud here.