Police in Salford have issued a stark warning after reports of blackmailers targeting people in internet chat rooms.
Scammers convince members of the public to strip off or perform sex acts on webcams, then demand cash in return for not publishing the video online.
GMP Salford West published the warning today after saying it had received multiple reports of the illegal activity.
Malicious blackmailers are luring both men and women into online chats and then demanding payment of up to thousands of pounds.
It’s a scam which has already been reported UK-wide.
West Midlands Police reported one victim paying over £2,000, who then received further demands for payment.
Once the scammers know you will pay, they will continue to ask for money.
Police are urging people – especially teenagers – to be wary of unfamiliar contact through social media.
GMP Salford West posted on Facebook: “We have recently dealt with several reports where members of the public have spoken to strangers in internet chat rooms and the stranger has convinced them to perform sex acts on webcam, the stranger has then proceeded to demand money from the victim by threatening to publish the video of them performing the act onto the internet to name and shame you.
“Please be mindful of what you do online and how easily you can become a victim to such scam artists and under no circumstances provide such con artists with your bank details.”
