Lately, there have been several reports about ‘Sextortion’ from the cybercrime department at the Korps Politie Caribisch Netherlands in the BES Island
What is sextortion?
‘Sextortion’ is extortion with a sexually tinted photo or video of the victim. This could be a nude photo or video of the victim, but it could also be that webcam footage of someone is mounted in such a way that it looks like the victim is having sex with a minor, so that this way they are blackmailed with putting material online.
The blackmailer usually wants money or more spicy pictures or videos of the victim. Often the photos and videos were stolen through social media, emails, by taking over webcams or by stealing equipment. You can make a statement from ‘Sextortion’.
What can you do about ‘Sextortion’?
- Do not respond to the threats.
- When you do what is asked of you, they can blackmail you further. There is no guarantee that the blackmail will stop if you do what is asked.
- Gather as much evidence as possible.
- This can help when you go to the police now or later. Take as many screenshots of the messages you receive. Is there something annoying about you online? Take screenshots of that and make sure the website address (URL) is visible.
- Delete and block the person everywhere.
- Search for yourself on the Internet using search engines.
- Do you come across your photo or video online? Contact that site as soon as possible. Often at the bottom of a site you will find a link to ‘help’, ‘abuse’ or ‘contact’. Explain in your email that you can be seen on it and that you did not give permission for its posting.
- Attention, some sites are in English, you can then write your email in English the best way.
- Let the police know via cybercrime@politiecn.com
Tips to prevent ‘Sextortion’
- Share as little private data online as possible.
- Screen your social media profile from strangers and set other privacy settings properly. This also includes protecting your photos properly.
- Use an alias or nick name instead of your own name on dating and profile sites. This makes it difficult for scammers to find out your identity and find family, friends or colleagues.
- Don’t accept friend or follow requests from people you don’t know.
- Don’t just click on links and don’t open any files, if you don’t know the sender (well) or don’t expect attachments.
- Clearly state your boundaries, for example that you do not send nude photos.
- Say ‘no’ to requests you don’t want to participate in.
Need more information?
Email cybercrime@politiecn.com or call 715 8000 and ask for the cybercrime department.
