Police are searching for a woman who contacted men online and persuaded them to carry out explicit acts before blackmailing them with the video footage.
The unidentified woman forced more than 20 men, aged between 17 and 36, into handing over up to £500 by threatening to reveal the footage to friends and family.
The majority of victims were students and lived in and around Welwyn Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
Police said the men had been contacted by a “young attractive woman” on social media sites. The woman would then encourage the men to chat to her via Skype, the online video chat service, and eventually persuaded them to perform sex acts for her in front of the camera.
Moments later the victim would be contacted and told the exchange had been filmed and would be broadcast online unless the men complied with her demands.
A spokesman from Hertfordshire constabulary said: “This is a scam which we believe is taking place across the country, and not confined to Hertfordshire. However, it is important that young men are made aware that this is taking place so they do not fall victim.
“We believe that Welwyn Hatfield has seen a larger proportion of offences because of the student population – as the majority of victims in the district have been students. We will be raising awareness amongst the university to ensure people are aware. I’d urge anyone faced with a similar approach, not to engage in such activity.”
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