Merseyside Police would like to raise awareness about the dangers of webcam blackmail and in particular the growing trend in ‘sextortion’ cases.
Victims, most often male, are befriended and persuaded to flirt online or take part in cybersex.
These webcam videos are recorded by the criminals who then threaten to share the images with the victims’ friends and family unless they receive payment.
The National Crime Agency has warned that organised criminals are behind this cybercrime.
The National Crime Agency is urging anyone who has fallen victim to sextortion to take the following steps:
- If it is happening now – Call the police on 999
- If this has happened recently – Call the police on 101
- Do not pay any money
- Stop communicating with the person immediately
- Report to your internet service provider
- Screengrab and write down as much information as possible (see below for more info)
Full details can be found on the National Crime Agency’s website.
If this happens to you or any of your friends, please remember you are a victim of organised crime and help is available.
You can also get help via Student Services (advice@liverpool.ac.uk 0151 795 1000).
You can also contact any of the following organisations:
- PAPYRUS provides confidential advice and support and works to prevent young suicide in the UK
- Samaritans to talk any time you like in your own way and off the record
- Get Safe Online
- Revenge Porn Helpline
- Thinkuknow