Cash demands in online blackmail threats
Advice has been issued by Dyfed-Powys Police after people were faced with demands for thousands of pounds and threats of intimate photos and videos being shared.
The force has offered the guidance after recording four reports of online blackmail over the past month. Victims are being contacted through email or social media, with demands to make payments in Bitcoin.
The recent reports have followed two patterns.
Detective Chief Inspector Estelle Hopkin Davies said: “In two cases we’ve had recently, the victims have accepted a social media friend request from an unknown person, and started to chat with them.
“The offender has then asked the victim to engage in a video chat, with intimate photos and videos being shared. Following the conversation, a list of demands has been sent to the victim, with threats that if they do not pay, the videos will be sent to family and friends, or posted online.
“One victim reported that the blackmail fee was £1,500, which thankfully they did not pay.
“In two other cases that have been reported over the past month, the victim has been watching pornography online, and received an email containing threats shortly after.
“The offender claimed to have hacked their device and set up a dual screen system where they could record what the victim was watching, as well as what they were doing. The victims were told that the hacker had videos of them, which again would be shared with family and friends.”
Following these recent reports, Dyfed-Powys Police has offered advice to anyone who receives similar threats online.
Officers are telling people to stay calm and report it to the police, that their case will be taken seriously, it will be dealt with in confidence, and no judgements will be made over their behaviour.
They have also been told not to pay and not to communicate with an offender, and also to deactivate an account and not shut it down all together.
DCI Hopkin Davies added: “The most important aspect in investigations of this kind is the safeguarding and support we offer to victims. People in this position feel embarrassed and vulnerable, and we need to ensure they are offered support, or know where to go to receive it.
“We urge all victims to report incidents to police – you are not alone, and by taking that step you could help prevent other people from becoming victims.”
To report blackmail or sextortion to Dyfed-Powys Police call 101. If you are at immediate threat of harm, always call 999.
