Police have noted a new crime trend where Internet users are propositioned by perpetrators whom had befriended them online to perform sexual acts in front of a webcam, and thereafter extorted by the perpetrator who would threaten to circulate compromising photos and videos of the victim.
Modus Operandi
Typically, the perpetrators would befriend the victims via online portals such as dating websites. While chatting, the perpetrator would persuade the victim to perform sexual acts in front of the webcam, and record the acts without the victim's knowledge. Subsequently, the perpetrator would use the victim's nude photos or videos to extort money. The perpetrators, who are believed to be foreigners, have been known to use this particular modus operandi to extort money from their victims who are of the opposite sex.
In some cases, the perpetrator has also been known to ask the victim to remit money to a foreign account to pay for the freight charges and/or custom levies for gifts which the perpetrator claimed to be sending to the victim. If the victim refused to pay, the perpetrator would then resort to extorting the victim using his/her nude photos or videos.
Crime Prevention Advisory
Police would like to advise Internet users to adopt the following preventive measures:
a) |
Exercise caution when dealing with unknown persons “befriended” through the Internet; |
b) |
Never put yourself in a vulnerable position or give personal details about yourself when interacting with other internet users; |
c) |
Do not remit, transfer or give any money to unknown persons; and |
d) |
Inform the Police immediately if anyone attempts to blackmail or threaten you. |
Members of the public are advised to be cautious when dealing with unknown persons over the internet. Members of the public who encounter such incidents should report the matter to the Police immediately.
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