Warning over 'sextortion scams' targeting teens and adults in Preston amid worrying surge in reports

Lancashire Police is warning people to be aware of sextortion following a rise in reports of online blackmail across Preston.

Sextortion is a form of online blackmail where offenders threaten to share intimate images, videos or sensitive personal information unless victims hand over money.

In many cases, criminals are demanding payment through gift vouchers, making it harder for victims to recover their losses.

In the last three months, between July 1 and October 13, there were 39 reports of online blackmail in Preston, with criminals often targeting victims through social media and messaging platforms.

Typically, offenders create fake online profiles and build trust with victims before persuading them to share intimate images. They then use the images to threaten, intimidate and demand money with apps such as Ria and Bitcoin suggested to facilitate transactions.

Lancashire Police warned victims can be of any age, gender or background, and offenders often target multiple people simultaneously.

Sgt Stella Edwards from Preston’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We have seen a concerning increase in reports of sextortion across Preston, with offenders exploiting people's trust and using fear and embarrassment to pressure victims into making payments.

“In many cases, sextortion is linked to organised criminals, including offenders operating from oversees, and can escalate rapidly from initial contact to threats.

"They may demand cash, bank transfers or, increasingly, gift vouchers, threatening to share intimate images or information with family, friends or employers if their demands aren't met.

"Our message is simple: if this happens to you, do not pay. Paying rarely stops the demands and often leads to further requests for money. Instead, stop all communication, keep any evidence and report it to us immediately."

How to protect yourself online

• Be cautious when interacting with people you have only met online.
• Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
• Never feel pressured into sharing intimate images or videos.
• Be wary of anyone who quickly tries to move a conversation onto private messaging apps.
• Remember that once an image is shared online, you lose control over where it may end up.

Officers from Preston’s Neighbourhood Policing team are carrying out inputs with school children across Preston to highlight the issue of sextortion, how to spot it and learn how to report it.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of sextortion or online blackmail should report it to Lancashire Police via 101 or through the force's online reporting channels.