‘Sextortinist’: Targeting young Aussies for money

Authorities have warned young Australians against internet scammers who are tricking them into sending sexually explicit photos and videos.

The WA government is sounding the alarm for young adults and teenagers against “sextortion” scams, following increased reports of teens being blackmailed over sexually explicit photos and videos.

The victims, who are approached on social media platforms by scammers using fake profiles, are tricked into recording or sending sexually explicit videos and photos.

In a dark twister of events, the scammers threaten to post the intimate images on the internet and send them to family, friends, partners or employers, unless money is paid.

So far this year, Consumer Protection WA has received 15 “sextortion” reports with six victims losing a total of $2000. This is up from 47 reports, with three victims losing $1600 last year.

Teenagers and young adults have been warned by authorities against internet scammers. Picture: Supplied.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Palmer said the victims who are being befriended through social media messaging platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram are mostly males.

“The offenders, who often purport to be young attractive females, exchange intimate images with the victims and then threaten to share those images with the victim’s family and friends if they do not pay an amount of money,” he said.

“The demands range from between $50 and $2,000 and are often requested in the form of gift cards, bank transfer or crypto currency. WA Police investigations suggest the majority of the offenders are based overseas.”

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Gary Newcombe said those targeted not only suffer economical hardship, but significant emotional distress.

“The threat to have intimate images exposed publicly has a devastating impact on all of those targeted, even those who don’t pay, but younger people are particularly vulnerable,” he said.

“The ruthless scammers put their victims in a highly embarrassing situation, being made to believe that their lives could be ruined if the images are posted or shared on social media, or sent to family, friends, partners or work colleagues.”

Last month neighbouring state SA issued a warning that children aged 16 were being targeted through random friend requests on social media.

Users are warned to contact consumer protection before they transfer money online, and to block scammers who request explicit images.