A WARNING has been made by police after sex scammers targeted a local resident.

A cyber criminal emailed the Malvern victim their own password and said that they had filmed them watching porn on their computer.

The scammer then demanded money, in the form of the anonymous online currency Bitcoin, in exchange for the footage to remain a secret.

The Malvern Cops Twitter account said: “A resident of Malvern has recently received one of these scam emails, so the scammers are still out there trying to get people to fall for it.

“Victims are receiving emails containing their own password in the subject line. If you receive one, delete it and report the details to Action Fraud.”

Action Fraud, the country’s fraud reporting service, has been contacted by more than 110 people about the new emails.

The company has offered numerous tips to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of ‘sextortion’ scams:

l Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: paying only highlights that you’re vulnerable and that you may be targeted again. The police advise that you do not pay criminals.

l Secure it: Change your password immediately and reset it on any other accounts you’ve used the same one for. Always use a strong and separate password. Whenever possible, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).

l Do not email the fraudsters back.

l Always update your anti-virus software and operating systems regularly.

l Cover your webcam when not in use.

l If you have receive one of these emails and paid the fine, report it to the police. If you have not paid, report it as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud.

For information go on https://actionfraud.police.uk/news/alert-cyber-criminals-send-victims-their-own-passwords-in-new-sextortion-scam-jul18

Have your Say

What do you think about ‘sextortion’ scams? Email md@worcesternews.co.uk