South Wales detectives warn about recent spate of "sextortion" crimes
Officers are urging us to be wary of people we meet online
South Wales Police are warning about a spate of cases of "sextortion" that have been reported in recent weeks.
The crime sees victims blackmailed with the threat of explicit images of themselves being shared, unless they pay money.
Criminals sometimes pretend to want a relationship, according to officers, or impersonate an account of someone known to the victim.
They say young people aged 15 to 17, and adults under 30, are often most at risk.
DS Nicola Richards, from South Wales Police’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit, said: “Sextortion is a cruel crime carried out by those who have no regard whatsoever for devastation they may cause to their victim.
“If you are a victim of sextortion, remember that it’s never your fault. You’ve done nothing wrong, so please don’t panic – remember that there is help and support available.
“Our advice is that you should stop all communication with the offender immediately. Don’t pay, even if you are tempted, as there is no guarantee that this will stop the threats. As the offender’s motive is to get money, once you have shown you can pay, they may well ask for more, and the blackmail may continue. If you have paid, though, again don’t panic – but don’t pay anything more.
“You should also save the evidence. Take screenshots, save messages and images, and make a note of usernames, email addresses, phone numbers and bank account numbers. Avoid deleting anything: try not to delete anything that could be used as evidence.
“And, if possible, collect URL links to where your images or information is being shared online.
“We’d also encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with this type of crime. Learn how you can spot the signs of when someone close to you may be being targeted, how you can support young people, and encourage them to seek help if it is needed.
“It’s vital that there is no stigma surrounding this topic – by doing this, we can take power away from those cruel and manipulative perpetrators.”