12/11/2025
PSNI Issues Urgent Warning As Online Blackmail Cases Rise
The public is being asked to be on high alert after an increase in reports of online blackmail, commonly referred to as 'sextortion,' involving material of an intimate or sexual nature.
Inspector Matthew Adams said that this crime typically involves sophisticated, organised crime groups, often based overseas, who use fake identities to initiate contact with victims via social media.
The interaction begins deceptively, often with flattery or flirting, but quickly escalates to coercing the victim into sending intimate images or performing sexual acts online while being unwittingly recorded. Inspector Adams stated that once the material is obtained, the criminals demand money, threatening to share the images or recordings if the demands are not met.
While sextortion can affect anyone, police noted that the majority of victims are young men, aged between 18 and 23.
The PSNI emphasised a clear message for anyone who has been targeted: Do not let embarrassment prevent you from reporting the crime.
Key safety advice from the Police Service includes:
Trust Your Instincts: Do not be lured into compromising situations. Trust your intuition and immediately end any communication that feels uncomfortable.
Privacy: Be extremely cautious about accepting invitations or connecting with strangers on social media and update privacy settings so only known individuals can view your account.
No Response: If you are targeted, do not panic, do not respond to demands, and do not enter into further communication.
Report Immediately: Confide in a trusted friend or family member and contact officers immediately on 101. The police stress that victims are not alone in their experience.
For further information and details of organisations who can help, visit www.psni.police.uk/sextortion
Inspector Matthew Adams said that this crime typically involves sophisticated, organised crime groups, often based overseas, who use fake identities to initiate contact with victims via social media.
The interaction begins deceptively, often with flattery or flirting, but quickly escalates to coercing the victim into sending intimate images or performing sexual acts online while being unwittingly recorded. Inspector Adams stated that once the material is obtained, the criminals demand money, threatening to share the images or recordings if the demands are not met.
While sextortion can affect anyone, police noted that the majority of victims are young men, aged between 18 and 23.
Key safety advice from the Police Service includes:
Trust Your Instincts: Do not be lured into compromising situations. Trust your intuition and immediately end any communication that feels uncomfortable.
Privacy: Be extremely cautious about accepting invitations or connecting with strangers on social media and update privacy settings so only known individuals can view your account.
No Response: If you are targeted, do not panic, do not respond to demands, and do not enter into further communication.
Report Immediately: Confide in a trusted friend or family member and contact officers immediately on 101. The police stress that victims are not alone in their experience.
For further information and details of organisations who can help, visit www.psni.police.uk/sextortion
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