Five teens targeted in sextortion scam in less than a week in East Lothian and Midlothian

Five teenagers have been targeted in sextortion incidents in East Lothian and Midlothian in less than a week.

Police have issued a warning following a rise in reported incidents in the region, with eight cases reported since the beginning of February.

The victims include both men and women and range in age from 14 to 58, the force said.

Five of the victims are teenagers.

In all cases, the suspects have financially blackmailed the victims online, and one victim paid the demanded money.

Officers have said the criminals are using social media and dating apps to befriend people before threatening to share images to their family and friends for financial gain.

Detective inspector James Welsh said: “Sextortion is blackmail and those targeted should not pay, nor should they be embarrassed or scared to report it to police.

“Criminals use the internet, social media and dating apps, to befriend people online and then threaten to share images to their family and friends for financial gain.

“People shouldn’t panic. There is support available from policing and from third-party organisations. We want people to know they will be treated with respect and dignity, and the circumstances investigated professionally.

“There is information available on the Police Scotland website on ways you can stay safe online – such as not sharing intimate images.”