In the “sextortion” phenomenon, people become victims of blackmailers after an alleged online flirtation. The criminals get their victims to undress in front of the webcam in a chat and then blackmail them by announcing that they will publish a recorded video or photos on the Internet.
Sextortion: high number of unreported cases
The police crime statistics (PKS) show a new high for 2022 with 109 cases of “blackmail on a sexual basis”, which includes sextortion. In 2021 there were still 62 cases. In the pandemic year 2020, the police in Lower Saxony registered 93 cases - more than twice as many as in 2019 (35). It should be noted that the PKS only records cases with a crime scene in Lower Saxony. This means that cases with an event location “Internet” do not appear in the statistics, even if the victim is at home in Lower Saxony. The LKA Lower Saxony therefore assumes that the actual number of cases in Lower Saxony is likely to be considerably higher. The number of unreported cases of those who may not report the crime out of shame is also not taken into account.
The term “sextortion” is made up of the English words “sex” and “extortion” (translated as “blackmail”). Typically, a “sextortion” begins with a contact via social networks, dating platforms or chat apps. The perpetrator tries to build a relationship with the victim in order to gain their trust. The perpetrators make an “advance payment” and also send naked photos that supposedly show them. During the course of the contact, a sexual act is often requested to be carried out in front of the camera. The perpetrators save recordings of these actions. The resulting material is then used as a means of pressure to extort money. If the victim didn't pay, the pictures would be published on the Internet.
How to protect yourself from sextortion:
Are you already being blackmailed?
Further information is available from the LKA Lower Saxony
Source:
Lower Saxony State Criminal Police Office
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