Locked down Scots are being targeted by so-called ‘sextortion’ scammers, police chiefs have warned.
Victims are duped into performing sex acts via webcams before blackmailers try to exploit them with the footage.
Officers in the Scottish Borders have issued a warning for people to be extra vigilant when online.
“We continue to receive reports from local residents who have become victims of webcam blackmail and sextortion,” they posted on Facebook.
“Never get lured into removing your clothes or performing sexual acts in front of your webcam.”
Criminals befriend victims online, by using fake identities, and then persuade them to perform sexual acts in front of their webcam.
Typically based abroad, they often use attractive women and men to entice the victim to take part.
These webcam videos are recorded by the criminals who then threaten to share the images with the victims’ friends and family.
“This can leave the victims feeling ashamed and embarrassed. Males and females of any age, anywhere, can become victims,” added officers.
“If victimised, do not pay any fees but report the crime, however embarrassing it may seem at the time.”
Officers urged any victims of anyone seeing suspicious activity online to come forward.
“We will take your case seriously, deal with it in confidence and will not judge you for being in this situation,” they added.
“Protect yourself by being extremely careful and selective about who you befriend online just as you would offline, especially when considering sharing intimate images.”
Free expert advice on how to stay safe is available online.
