Police warn of 'sextortion' scam: 52 victims blackmailed over compromising images

If you are a user of dating apps or social media platforms, and receive an invitation to participate in sexually explicit video calls or share intimate photographs — do not join in or the only "gratification" you could find yourself in is working harder to replenish that bank balance.

Police said in a news release on Thursday night that they have received at least 52 reports of such cyber extortion cases, with losses amounting to at least $134,000.

In these cases, victims were first approached through dating applications or social media platforms.

They were then persuaded to continue the "conversations" on messaging applications where they would be deceived into participating in sexually explicit phone calls or sharing intimate photographs.

During the session, scammers would secretly record the video calls or retain the exchanged photographs. They would then threaten to either release the intimate images or recordings online, or send them to the victims' family members, friends or social media contacts unless payment is made.

But the extortions often continue, even after payments are made by victims, the police cautioned.

Members of the public are advised to refrain from participating in such calls or exchanges, especially with persons whom they have only recently met online.

They should also not reveal personal information online and consider setting social media accounts to private to restrict access to contacts and followers.

Those who find themselves in this situation already should not accede to scammers' demand or make any payment.

Instead, cease but retain all communications, screenshots and transaction records. Then, report the matter to the police as soon as possible.

如果你是约会应用或社交媒体平台的用户，并且收到邀请参与露骨的视频通话或分享私密照片——千万不要加入，否则你唯一能得到的“满足感”就是更加努力地工作来补充银行存款。

警方周四晚间发布新闻稿称，他们已收到至少 52 起此类网络勒索案件的报告，损失金额至少达 134,000 美元。

在这些案件中，受害者首先是通过约会应用程序或社交媒体平台被接触的。

然后，他们被说服在即时通讯应用上继续“对话”，并被欺骗参与露骨的性电话或分享私密照片。

在诈骗过程中，骗子会秘密录制视频通话或保存交换的照片。然后，他们会威胁受害者，如果不付款，就会将这些私密照片或录音发布到网上，或发送给受害者的家人、朋友或社交媒体联系人。

但警方警告说，即使受害者已经支付了赎金，勒索行为也往往会继续下去。

建议公众避免参与此类通话或交流，尤其是与最近才在网上认识的人进行此类通话或交流。

他们也不应该在网上透露个人信息，并考虑将社交媒体账户设置为私密状态，以限制联系人和关注者的访问权限。

已经陷入这种境地的人不应该答应骗子的要求，也不应该支付任何款项。

相反，请停止所有通讯，但保留所有通讯记录、屏幕截图和交易记录。然后，尽快向警方报案。