‘Sextortion’ Scare Hits Kent: Criminals Blackmailing Victims with Private Videos
Victims in Kent are falling prey to a nasty new cyber crime known as ‘sextortion’. Crooks lure people into recording themselves doing sexual acts, then use these videos to demand money. If victims refuse to pay up, the blackmailers threaten to release the footage online or send it to friends and family.
Sextortion on the Rise in East Kent
Recent reports from Canterbury and Ramsgate show the shocking lengths these criminals go to. One man in Canterbury was told to cough up cash or explicit images would be shared with his loved ones. Another in Ramsgate was blackmailed after meeting someone on a dating site, with threats to leak intimate videos unless money was sent. When one victim refused to pay £250, the suspect sent his explicit pics to friends and family anyway.
Kent Police Warn: Don’t Fall For Sextortion Traps
Detective Inspector Vanessa Law urged the public to stay vigilant. “These crimes aren’t just happening in east Kent, but we want to raise awareness following recent cases. We know victims often feel ashamed, but don’t – criminals rely on that. We take every report seriously, offering confidential support without judgement.”
She added, “The internet is brilliant but comes with unique risks. A few simple precautions can save you from falling victim to criminals exploiting technology for their gain.”
How to Protect Yourself from Sextortion
- Be picky about who you trust online, especially before sharing anything intimate.
- Don’t assume the person you video chat with is who they say. Their profile pic could be stolen or fake. Try a reverse image search to check if photos appear elsewhere.
- Avoid sharing explicit images or videos – even with people you trust. Screenshots and recordings are easy for scammers to save and spread.
- If you’ve been targeted, don’t panic or feel ashamed. You’re the victim, not the criminal.
- Never pay the blackmailers – they may still publish your images or demand more money.
- Cut off all contact with the blackmailers immediately.
- Report the crime to Kent Police via their non-emergency contact page: kent.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/
- If you’re under 18, talk to a trusted adult or contact CEOP: ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting
Don’t let sextortion ruin your life. Stay alert. Stay safe.
