Sextortion is the latest online threat which has been gaining widespread news coverage in the past couple of weeks. This comes on the back of a drive from the National Crime Agency to raise awareness of this issue which has even resulted in a number of young males committing suicide this year.
The NCA: “Criminals might befriend victims online by using a fake identity and then persuading them to perform sexual acts in front of their webcam. These webcam videos are recorded by the criminals who then threaten to share the images with the victims’ friends and family”.
Central to their efforts to raise awareness of this issue, the Crime Agency has released the following video:
The NCA has indicated that both males and females can fall victim to this form of organised crime. However, in 95% of recorded cases the victims men or boys. Although the age range of these victims was incredibly widespread between 14 and 85, the highest proportion are in their 20s and a large proportion aged from 11 to 19.
So far in the UK, four young men have taken their lives after falling victims to sextortion. As with all online safety concerns, it is important to consider preventative measures as well as steps to take should you fall victim to this crime. Please visit BBC for details on how to deal with this issue. Children and young people who fall victim to this crime should contact Click CEOP for support and to report the crime.