Five boys fall victim to blackmail sextortion scam in East Renfrewshire last week

Five boys were financially blackmailed in a sextortion scam in East Renfrewshire last week.

Police Scotland said the children, aged between 12 and 17, were targeted across the area.

In each case, the victims were blackmailed online by the suspects.

An investigation is under way and the public has been urged to remain cautious.

Sextortion is when someone threatens to share sexual or nude images, videos, or information about a person online.

The criminal’s aim is usually to extort money or force their victim to do something they do not want to do.

But it does not matter if you share something with consent or not, if someone misuses it or threatens to share it, it’s a crime, police say.

Local area commander, chief inspector Paul Daley 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. 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.”

The sextortion scammer might contact their target through social media or dating apps, try to develop a sexualised relationship with the victim quickly, try to persuade you to share intimate photos or videos, record you without telling you, or use AI to create fake videos of you.

More information can be found at: Sextortion – Police Scotland