POLICE in Wiltshire are urging residents to protect themselves from falling victim to sextortion and to consider the consequences of sharing intimate photographs and videos of themselves.

Sextortion, which is also known as webcam blackmail, refers to criminals deceiving webcam users into taking their clothes off and performing a sexual act. This is recorded and then used to blackmail victims for money.

The warning comes after officers in Dorset revealed they had experienced a spike in the crime, mainly involving male victims.

In the county police have investigated 18 cases of online sextortion and five cases of revenge porn in the last two months.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “The blackmailer could be an ex-partner, or someone you have met on a social network or dating website.

"It is common for someone to trick their victim into capturing revealing webcam footage, and this is often carried out by criminal gangs posing as individuals looking for romance.

“In the case of webcam blackmail, the victim may not even know they are being recorded, as the camera can be activated by spyware.

“The perpetrators threaten to reveal the pictures unless they receive money from the victim.

“These individuals and groups are using sophisticated technology not only to manipulate the images that a victim sees to perpetrate the scam, but they are using the same technology to conceal their identity and location.”

Following the safety warning from officers in Dorset, Wiltshire Police has said it is not aware of a spike of similar reports of this nature in Wiltshire but urged residents to consider the consequences of allowing intimate photographs of videos of themselves being taken.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Sextortion, which is also known as webcam blackmail, refers to criminals deceiving webcam users into taking their clothes off and performing a sexual act. This is recorded and then used to blackmail victims for money.

“Residents in Wiltshire are reminded to ensure they are staying safe while online to ensure they do not fall victim to crimes of this nature as it can have a long-lasting and often devastating effect.

“We would urge people to think hard about the consequences of having intimate photos or videos taken of themselves, whether it be by somebody you know or not.

The spokesman added: “If any images or videos of this nature do appear online, ask for it to be removed and reporting the person responsible. Please call police on 101 and ignore any blackmail threats you receive.

“Please also ensure you have up-to-date internet security software.”