Young men are continuing to be blackmailed into allowing scammers to capture intimate screenshots of them during online video calls.
The advice from the PSNI is to NEVER share explicit and intimate pictures and videos online.
According to the police, the blackmailers will generally approach a victim on a social networking app, under an assumed identity, to build up a rapport before encouraging them to take part in a video call.
The scammer will appear as a woman, in most cases, and will encourage the victim to undress or share an intimate image.
Once the image is captured from the video call as a screenshot, the blackmailer will demand money and then threaten to share the images online.
“Unfortunately we are continuing to receive reports of young males being blackmailed after intimate images of them are captured online.
“It is vitally important that we raise awareness of this type of crime to prevent further people falling victim. Be careful about who you speak to online. Remember that not everyone may be who they claim to be,” said a police spokesperson.
Young people should be wary about who they talk to online.
“Never share intimate images of yourself, whether you are on a video call or conversing online.
“Parents and guardians, please speak to your teenagers and make them aware of the dangers online,” added the spokesperson.
You can find out more at: https://www.psni.police.uk/advice_information/sextortion/