Two women were arrested and charged in connection with online extortion in Dundee.
Online extortion involves interaction through email or a chat service.
Victims are blackmailed into sending money to prevent private conversations being shared publicly, or with personal contacts.
The women, aged 22 and 24, were arrested in the city on February 11.
Their offences dated back to July 2020.
The pair were released from custody and will appear at Dundee Sheriff Court at a later date Police are urging Scots to be mindful of online safety.
Detective Sergeant Simon Murray said: “This has been an extensive investigation by response and specialist officers, and I would like to thank them all for their efforts.
"Online extortion-type crimes like these are becoming more prevalent, and we would urge everyone to think about their online safety and security, especially when interacting with people you don’t personally know.
“Conversations started on an app may afford a little privacy, but as soon as you step outside of the application or provide personal details such as phone numbers, social media account details etc, you provide means by which you can be identified and potentially extorted.
“Some general online safety advice, keep your phone, laptops or tablet secure - use a password or PIN.
"Don’t do anything online that you wouldn’t do face to face.
"Think about what you post, or wrote in an email or text – once it’s sent, you can’t get it back and have no control over where it may go.
"Do you really know your online “friends” or who you befriend online?
"Think about why and how you know people. Never feel forced into doing anything you don’t want to do, and we recommend not arranging to meet someone you have only met on the internet.”
