Blackmail in the Black Country: Men warned over cyber sex scam
Men across the Black Country have been warned to be careful who they expose themselves to after a spate of blackmails over intimate Skype footage.
Blackmailers are luring men into compromising video sex chats before demanding up to £10,000 to keep the footage secret, police have warned.
At least three men in the Black Country have been caught out by the scam in less than a month, with one victim forking out more than £2,000 before contacting police.
The men have all been approached on Facebook by a friendly fraudster who, posing as a flirtatious woman, coaxes the men into an online chat before encouraging them to perform sexual acts on video software like Skype.
Exploiting their embarrassment, the extortionist then threatens to upload footage of the men unless they cough up as much as £10,000.
West Midlands Police fear there could be more victims out there and are urging people to be wary of unfamiliar contact through social media.
Detective Sergeant Ed Trimbee, from the force's Acquisitive Crime Team said: "It starts off all very friendly but then ends up being a horrible, worrying time for those being exploited.
"There is understandable concern when what is believed to be a private interaction has the potential to be made public.
"The blackmailers are calculating and malicious, demanding large sums of money from their victims.
"The moment you reveal yourself in an online video to a stranger you may be vulnerable to exploitation.
"The best way to avoid this situation is to stay clear of activities which may put you at risk."
For advice on staying safe online visit: www.thinkuknow.co.uk
