Detectives from the South Wales Police are raising alarms over an increasing number of sextortion incidents, a severe form of online blackmail where victims are coerced into paying money under the threat of having their explicit images distributed.
Sextortion criminals employ various tactics to manipulate victims into producing and sending compromising images or videos. Once obtained, these images become leverage for blackmail, with threats of exposure to friends and family unless a ransom is paid.
Fraudsters often masquerade as potential romantic interests, using fake profiles to lure victims into sharing intimate content. In some instances, they impersonate or clone accounts of acquaintances, further deceiving victims into believing they are interacting with someone they know.
Organised crime groups, known for orchestrating sextortion schemes, typically target individuals through dating apps, social media platforms, webcams, or adult websites. Warning signs include overly rapid relationship progression, mass friend requests, pressure for sexual content, and claims of account hacking.
DS Nicola Richards from the Economic and Cyber Crime Unit advises: “Sextortion is a heartless act by those indifferent to the havoc they wreak. Victims should remember it’s not their fault and refrain from panicking. Immediate cessation of communication with the perpetrator is crucial. Paying the ransom offers no resolution and may lead to further demands.”
Victims are urged to preserve evidence such as screenshots and contact details and to report any online sharing of their images. Education on sextortion is essential for prevention and support for those affected.
The police stress that there should be no shame associated with being a victim of sextortion. Open discussions can empower individuals and weaken the hold of perpetrators over their victims.
