Nottinghamshire Police Warn of Rising Sextortion Scams
Nottinghamshire Police have been flooded with reports of heartless blackmailers exploiting intimate images shared online. Teens and young adults are the main targets, but scammers could strike anyone.
Sextortion: The Dirty Cyber Crime
Sextortion involves criminals tricking victims into sending explicit photos or videos, then threatening to expose the content to family and friends unless a ransom is paid. The offenders often use fake profiles on dating apps like Tinder or social media platforms to lure victims in.
One recent case involved a man in nottingham/" title="Nottingham" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Nottingham who was fooled into sending a private photo via Tinder and Snapchat. The scammer demanded £600, threatening to share the image with the victim’s family and friends. Despite blocking the blackmailer, the victim’s distress worsened when two friends told him they’d received the photo on Instagram.
Since early 2022, Nottinghamshire Police have investigated 86 such sextortion cases, reflecting a worrying surge.
Police Urge Caution and Awareness
“Blackmailers often target people through dating apps and social media by using fake identities to befriend you online,” said Detective Inspector Matthew Basford of Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection unit. “They then threaten to send the intimate images to friends and family unless victims pay up, leaving them extremely distressed.”
“These crimes are happening across the UK, but recent reports in Nottinghamshire mean we’re urging everyone to be vigilant. Parents should talk to their teenage children about the risks and how to stay safe online.”
“If you’re a victim, please report it. Police handle all cases confidentially and seriously, with absolutely no judgment.”
Top Tips to Protect Yourself From Sextortion
- Think twice before befriending anyone online, especially before sharing intimate content.
- Fake profiles are common. Use reverse image searches to check if profile photos are scraped from models or stock images.
- Avoid sending sexual photos or videos — even to people you trust. Once online, they can be copied and shared without your control.
- If targeted, don’t panic. You are not to blame and help is available.
- Never pay blackmailers. They often publish images anyway or demand more cash.
- Save screenshots of any contact info, usernames, or messages from the suspect.
- Cut off all communication immediately.
- Report the crime to Nottinghamshire Police via their non-emergency channels.
- If under 18, speak to a trusted adult and also report to CEOP, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command.
Stay sharp online. Don’t let sextortion ruin your life.
