Sutherland Shire Police warn local men about sextortion scams with cheeky eggplant emoji post

A southern Sydney police department has gone viral with a warning for the ‘young men of the Shire’ to avoid sextortion scams. Here’s the reason behind the cheeky post.

A southern Sydney police unit has raised eyebrows with a cheeky warning for the “young men of the Shire” to avoid sextortion scams, following an increase in the number of cases reported.

The Sutherland Shire Police Command post has done the rounds on social media with locals enamoured with its message for young men to “protect your eggplants”.

“It has come under notice at Sutherland Police that the young men of the Shire need to be reminded … for our young men – Got a DM from someone new and interesting on your socials?” the post read alongside an image of a banned eggplant emoji.

“Haven’t met them IRL? They want pictures of your eggplants? They probably want money or gift cards from you and will threaten to share your eggplant pictures to your contacts.

“Protect your eggplants! Don’t send money – #Sextortion.”

NSW Police class sextortion as a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share intimate personal messages of a victim online unless their demands are met.

The original post was shared to the Sutherland Shire Police Facebook page before it amassed hundreds of likes and comments.

Chief Inspector Michael Stuart has revealed his reasons for the eggplant-themed warning.

“Traditional messaging wasn’t effective. The eggplant emoji is to generate interest – to wonder what the actual message is and to then understand that it is an issue and is happening,” Chief Insp Stuart said.

“And for those in an older generation who may not know the emoji meaning – it’s encouraged conversation with their younger family, thereby further increasing the awareness of the issue.”

Chief Insp Stuart said previous messaging had not “cut through to our target audience in the past”. However he said the lighthearted tone of the latest post in no way took away from the gravity of the issue.

“This is a serious crime which can have a lasting negative effect on the victim as well as financial loss,” he said.

“It’s important to note that while there is a level of humour in the post, that humour is about the way the message is delivered, not about the victims who we have empathy for.

“There has been a recent increase in the reporting of this crime. We also know there is a level of non-reporting as well. We believe if people are aware of the issue, they will be less likely to become victim to the offenders.”

The growing trend of sextortion is worrying NSW Police.

Chief Insp Stuart said the community response had been “very positive” and encouraged people to speak about sextortion scams amid a national crisis.

“Our aim is to raise awareness of the crime type so that people are better armed to protect themselves,” he said.