Northumbria Police is warning internet users to be on their guard against ‘sextortion’.

They say people are being lured into performing sexual acts in front of a webcam and then blackmailed over the footage.

Cyber attacks continue to escalate in frequency, severity and impact

The incidents often occur in chat rooms, when the victim is then threatened with the footage being distributed on social media sites and shared with their family and friends unless a substantial amount of money is paid.

Officers want to remind people to be on their guard when online to avoid being lured into a compromising situation and exploited.

Detective Inspector Paul Stewart said: “Our advice would be, don’t say or do anything online that you wouldn’t ever do in public or want to be seen in public - once something is online it is in the public domain.

“Be wary of who you speak to in chat rooms, even if you think you know them if you can’t see the person at the other end they may not be who you think they are and it could be a very different person sat at the other end of the computer than who you think.

“Most importantly don’t get lured into compromising situations with complete strangers where you could potentially put yourself at risk of being exploited and blackmailed, you don’t know them and cannot trust them.”

He urged anyone affected by this sort of crime to contact police, adding: “These sorts of offences can have a huge impact on victims and we understand some victims may feel embarrassed but they can be reassured that officers will carry enquiries with the absolute sensitivity and we would urge anyone who has been a victim to come forward and speak to us.”