Edinburgh police report dramatic spike in 'sextortion' scams

The number of people in Edinburgh being targeted by ‘sextortion’ scams is on the rise, according to the city’s police force.

Sextortion is a form of blackmail that involves threatening to share sexually explicit images or videos of someone online to force them to pay a ‘ransom’, usually after they’ve taken off their clothes or performed sexual acts over a webcam without knowing they are being recorded.

These offences are ‘frequently’ perpetrated by criminals overseas but the crime is recorded in Scotland, a report said.

A spike in the number of reports of sextortion in the capital between April and September last year contributed ‘significantly’ to a recorded 139 per cent rise in cases of ‘threats and extortion’, with 58 more crimes against the five-year average.

Police Scotland have issued advice on how to avoid falling victim to sextortion in light of the increase in reports, which has been seen across Scotland.

Tips include ‘only activating your camera when you want to and making sure it is off at all times when not required’.

“Never allow yourself to be duped into activity that you will later regret,” they urge.

“If using video chat apps, be alert to the fact that ‘contacts’ are not always who they say they are. If you allow a relationship to develop be guarded if unusual requests are made of you.

“You may make mistakes, have doubts or need support or advice. If so, contact the police or a support agency immediately.”

And the force stressed people should not hand over any money to sextortion scammers.

They said: “Do not pay. Some victims who have paid hear no more about it, others pay and are asked for more money. In some cases, even when money is paid the offenders posts the videos or images anyway.”

They added victims “will not be judged” for going to police and added that all cases are taken seriously.