By Q Radio News
The PSNI is warning people not to be duped by fraudsters after dozens of "sextortion" incidents were reported within two days.
At least 40 people have been targeted since by cyber criminals threatening to leak X-rated or compromising photos of them to friends and family members between Thursday and Saturday.
Residents of counties Antrim, Down, Tyrone and Londonderry have complained about receiving the sinister emails demanding £2,000 to prevent the images from being shared.
The threats also claim that images or footage of the recipient accessing pornographic websites will be released if payment isn't made.
PSNI Chief Superintendent Simon Walls says scammers will stop at nothing to dupe people, even during the global Covid-19 pandemic.
"Thankfully, in relation to the reports we have received in the last few days, people appear to be aware of the fraudsters and it appears they haven't fallen for their scams," he said.
"Scammers are ruthless, unscrupulous individuals who don't care about the impact of their actions on victims, which can sometimes can be life changing and which often has a significant impact. All scammers care about is getting money from their victims.”
The senior officer said now that young people are spending more time at home, parents should take extra care to keep an eye on their child's online activity and what sites they are accessing.
"It's really important that parents and guardians know what their loved ones' online activity is, who their children are engaging with and what sites they are visiting," Chief Superintendent Walls said.
"It's also important people have a conversation with their loved ones, and with each other, so they are aware of the extraordinary lengths scammers will go to and the abhorrent tactics they will employ.
“And, to any young person who may receive or has received one of these emails, please don't worry. Speak to your parent/guardian or someone you trust and do not reply to the email."
A small number of the recent scamming incidents involve people claiming to be calling from a bank and have asked people for their bank details, or where someone has been told they are due a refund after their MoT was cancelled and they need their bank details to issue the refund.
One report was about workmen taking money from a householder for work yet to be completed.
“Never ever give out any personal or financial information to an unverified source via email or over the phone," Chief Superintendent Walls added.
“Only ever give that type of sensitive information to a verified source, and I would urge people who receive any of these types of email not to interact or reply to the scammers, but to forward details on to Action Fraud and contact us.
“People who receive such an email where the scammers claim to have their password should change their passwords as soon as possible. Please, do all you can to stop scammers taking your money.
“I would urge people to be aware of cold callers and people claiming to carry out work on their house for a price, which will often be too good to be true. Be on your guard and do what you can to protect yourself financially.”
Action Fraud can be contacted via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040. Police can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101.
For further advice and information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni
Please also see https://www.psni.police.
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