Wednesday 16th August 2023
Online Webcam Extortion
Webcam Extortion is a term given to demands made for monies or other favours which involve the use of a chat application, the internet and a webcam.
Webcam Extortion can happen when people establish new online relationships with people they don’t know. After a period of time victims are enticed to reveal personal information or undertake compromising activity. The victim is then threatened, being warned that images or personal information will be made public unless favours are undertaken or money is paid.
This type of criminality can affect young and old, male and female alike.
If you find yourself the victim of such a scam then the first thing to do is not to panic.
You have already taken the first big step by recognising you are the ‘victim’ in this and that you may require support to help you through this difficult time. The Police will take your case seriously, will deal with it in confidence, and will not make judgements on your behaviour.
Do NOT pay. Some victims who have paid what the offenders have demanded hear no more about it, many others who have paid have then continued to receive further and often increasing demands. In some cases even when the demands have been met the offenders will still go on to post the videos anyway.
Do NOT communicate further with the offenders. Obtain screen shots of any communication. Deactivate your Facebook account and use the online reporting process to report the matter to Skype, WhatsApp, YouTube etc. to have any video blocked and to set up an alert in case the video resurfaces. Deactivating the Facebook account rather than shutting it down will ensure data is preserved and will assist law enforcement in obtaining evidence. The account can also be reactivated at any time ensuring online memories are not lost forever.
In general once they’re blocked, the offenders can’t contact you. If they are unable to do so then they can’t threaten you or make demands, so they tend to move on fairly quickly. However, they may try to utilise other contact routes that they are aware of, so be mindful of all sites where communication has been made or you are linked to.
If you have already paid, check to see if the money has been collected. If it has, and if you are able, then make a note of where it was collected from. If it hasn’t, then you can cancel the payment – and the sooner you do that the better.
Further help and support for victims
If the victim is under the age of 18 please encourage them to talk to an adult they can trust.
It may feel like there is no way out, but there are professionals who can help.
Victims of any age can get help from:
- National Crime Agency (NCA) Advice
- PAPYRUS provides confidential advice and support and works to prevent young suicide in the UK.
- Samaritans to talk any time you like in your own way and off the record
- Get Safe Online
- Revenge Porn Helpline
- Think know
- Skype advice on protecting yourself from blackmail
UPDATES
A 35 year old man was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon in Ballantine Place, Perth on Sunday 13th August.
A 29 year old man will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for breaking a window at a property in St Catherines Square, Perth. (CR/150123/23)
A 40 year old man was arrested for drink driving on the M90 near Bridge of Earn on Sunday 13th August.
A 23 year old man was arrested for theft of a black Audi TT from Main Street, Invergowrie on Friday 11th August. The vehicle has been recovered
A 32 year old woman was arrested for being drunk in charge of a vehicle on the A822 near Amulree on Thursday 10th August.
During the last week 4 drivers have been found to be without insurance and 3 had no licence.
RECENT INCIDENTS
Between 5pm, Thursday 10th and 7am, Friday 11th August, a window was smashed at a property in Muirhall Road, Perth. (CR/152514/23)
Between 4pm and 4:30pm, Saturday 12th August, a blue Vauxhall Corsa was stolen from McKenzie Court, Perth. The vehicle was later recovered in Jubilee Car Park, Kinnoull Hill. (CR/152791/23)
About 2:30am, a male was captured on CCTV, breaking in to Johnnie Orange, St Paul’s Square, Perth. The suspect was wearing a black cap, red checked shirt, blue jeans and high top trainers. He made off in the direction of South Methven Street. (CR/153172/23)
Between 9pm and 9:40pm, Friday 11th August, a window was smashed at Dunbarney Primary School, Bridge of Earn. (CR/150839/23)
About 1am, Monday 14th August, a blue Ford Transit van was stolen from Berrydale Road, Blairgowrie. (CR/152617/23)
Between 3pm and 10:40pm, Thursday 10th August, a Falcon pedal cycle was stolen from the car park in High Street, Auchterarder. It was later recovered with damage at The Community School of Auchterarder. (CR/153116/23)
Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or any police officer, quoting the crime reference number listed at each incident. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Regards,
Tom Leonard
Chief Inspector
Local Area Commander
Perth and Kinross