Scottish boys as young as 12 targeted in online sextortion blackmail scheme
Scots schoolboys as young as 12 have been targeted online in a social media sextortion plot as police issued an urgent warning to parents.
Five young lads are helping police with an ongoing probe into web sickos who tried to blackmail them into sending cash.
The boys – aged between 12 and 17 years old – raised the alarm after they were preyed upon in the East Renfrewshire area in recent days.
Over the last week Police Scotland has received five reported incidents of sextortion.
It’s understood the complaints were made independently and none of the children targeted are known to each other.
In each case the victims were threatened with dire consequences and put under pressure to hand over money to the mystery fiends behind the sinister ruse.
Officers haven’t ruled out the possibility those behind the disturbing plots – using more than one social media platform – could be based abroad.
They are urging caution to anyone who may be tempted by sharing intimate photos or personal information online.
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 force has shared more information in response outlining the threat posed by the creepy crooks who threaten to share sexual or nude images, videos, or information about a person online.
The police advice says: “The goal is usually to extort money or force you to do something you do not want to do.
“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.”
Their warped tactics include contacting victims through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram or dating apps and trying to develop a sexualised relationship.
They may also try to persuade you to share intimate photos or videos, record you without telling you and even use AI to create fake videos of you.
World Affairs Correspondent
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