Police in Edinburgh are reminding people that webcam pictures can be taken "without your knowledge" as part of a warning over online webcam extortion.
This is where people are being subjected to demands for money or favours.
Officers say this can happen when people establish new online relationships with people they don't know, and after a period of time are enticed to reveal personal information or undertake compromising activity.
The victim is then threatened and warned that images or personal information could be made public unless favours are undertaken or cash changes hands.
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Police say that people should never share images they wouldn't be happy for friends or family to see – and be aware that webcam pictures can be taken without your knowledge.
Victims are urged not to respond to threats, with police adding: "The person you're talking to online will probably convince you that if you do what they say, the threats and extortion will stop. The opposite is true. The more you give to them, the more they demand.
"It is important to report incidents where you are the victim of online extortion. Don't keep quiet, online extortion is a crime."
If you are aware of this offence you should contact Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
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