Tyrone parents warned about ‘sextortion’

TYRONE teenagers are being targeted by international criminals who specialise in a cruel, cold and manipulative racket known as ‘sextortion’, an information evening in Omagh has heard.

Creating fake online profiles, the perpetrators entice the teens into sending explicit pictures and videos of themselves, then use these same images to blackmail them for money.

To combat the problem by arming parents with the information they need to prevent their children from falling foul of these online predators, the PSNI hosted the public meeting at a local grammar school last Tuesday evening.

Though the turnout was disappointing, representatives from both the PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Neighbourhood Policing departments gave an illuminating talk to those who turned out at Omagh Academy.

They explained how ‘sextortion’ works, how to avoid becoming a victim, and what a person should do if they are unwittingly ensnared in a ‘sextortion’ scenario.

“I have been in the police service for 28 years, I have spent 21 of those in CID, I have witnessed the evolution of crime, but ‘sextortion’ is something that really scares me,” said Brian Reid, Detective Sergeant with CID in Omagh.

“It is a cyber crime during which victims are lured into sharing intimate images or performing sexual acts in front of a webcam. Unbeknownst to the victims, their actions are recorded by criminals who then use the video footage in an attempt to blackmail them.”

Although most victims in reported ‘sextortion’ cases in the North tend to be adults, around 30 per-cent are under-18s.

“It is a very prevalent crime and not a day goes by where we do not deal with it. And, unfortunately, it continues to become more and more common,” said Detective Sergeant Reid.

“Generally, it is on the rise, and we expect a substantial spike over the summer when young people are off school,” he said.

Around 600 cases of sextortion were reported to the police last year. However, Detective Sergeant Reid believes that the number of victims is significantly higher.

“Many people who become victims either pay the ransom, while others simply bury their head and hope that their intimate photos are not shared online,” said Detective Sergeant Reid. “But we are not here to judge; we are here to help.”

As the conversation ebbed, with parents and teachers asking questions and giving their views, one woman requested a distillation of the most crucial advice which parents could offer their children.

“First of all, make your online accounts private if you can,” said Detective Sergeant Reid, “and do not add strangers on social media.

“Secondly, do not send pictures or videos of your bits. I know that might sound strange to say to your child, but we cannot afford to dance around this issue any longer.

“Parents need to break the taboo and have an open and frank conversation with their children. That is the best way to keep them safe.”