‘Sextortion’ Scare Hits Kent: Thousands at Risk of Online Blackmail
‘Sextortion’ is a nasty online scam where victims are tricked into recording themselves performing sexual acts. The footage is secretly captured by crooks who then demand cash – or else they threaten to leak the videos to friends and family.
Pay up, or face humiliation. Sometimes, the blackmailers keep pushing for more money, making the nightmare spiral.
Recent Cases Spark Police Warning in Kent
- A Canterbury man was targeted by unknown online blackmailers demanding cash to stop them spreading explicit images.
- In Ramsgate, a victim met someone on a dating app but was quickly pressured to pay up or have private videos shared.
- Another Ramsgate resident refused to pay a £250 ransom – only to have intimate photos blasted to his contacts.
Detective Inspector Vanessa Law from Kent Police said: “These crimes aren’t limited to east Kent, but with recent reports rising, we want to remind everyone how to stay safe.”
“We know victims may feel ashamed, but criminals rely on that fear. Don’t suffer in silence. Report it. We treat every case confidentially and seriously, with zero judgement.”
How to Protect Yourself from Sextortion
- Be cautious who you trust online. Think twice before sharing intimate images or videos, even with people you think you know.
- Profiles can be fake. Attractive faces might be stolen or coerced. Use reverse image searches to check profile photos aren’t stock images or copied from elsewhere.
- Once shared, images are nearly impossible to erase. Screenshots and recordings can spread fast.
What to Do If You’re Targeted
- Don’t pay the blackmailers. They often ignore payments and ask for more.
- Stop all communication immediately.
- Report the crime to Kent Police using their non-emergency contact options: kent.police.uk/contact
- If you’re under 18, tell a trusted adult right away.
- Contact CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) for extra help: ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting
Remember: You’re not alone. Victims of sextortion deserve support – not shame.
