Rise in Online Sextortion Cases: Police Warning

The Cyber Crime Division has received an increased number of complaints about online sextortion. Unknown individuals are creating fake accounts on social media, approaching unsuspecting victims (mainly men), and urging them to participate in video calls where they are asked to appear naked.

The perpetrators then blackmail the victims, demanding money (usually through money transfer companies to African countries) to avoid publishing the video to their friends on social media. Police report that minors are among the victims.

Advice from the Police:

• Be careful with online contacts.
• Do not expose sensitive data to strangers.
• Do not pay money to blackmailers.
• Report/block fake accounts.
• Discontinue all communication with the perpetrator and temporarily deactivate your account.