An investigation has been launched after scores of people were targeted by scammers demanding cash in exchange for not publishing videos of them watching pornography.
Police have received 96 complaints from people who received emails from crooks claiming to have compromising footage.
The conmen demand payment in bitcoin threatening to publishing it if the victim fails to pay up.
The sextortion racket has been operating across Scotland 16 reports made overnight.
Detective Inspector Michael McCullagh, of cybercrime investigations, said: "These type of scams aren't unusual however this particular suspect or group has used a similar method and wording in every email and in greater numbers than we normally see.
"The emails show current or legacy passwords belonging to the victim, making the threat seem credible.
"This is a tactic used by criminals to alarm potential victims.
"Awareness is crucial to avoid becoming a victim to this type of crime and I would encourage people to recognise this.
"Don't make any payment, don't reply to the email and take measures to enhance your security such as changing your passwords."
Further details on this type of crime and how to protect yourself can be found here.
