Guernsey Police say sextortion is a growing issue across the UK and continues to affect people in the islands.
Sextortion is when offenders demand money after threatening to release real or AI-generated sexual photos.
Guernsey Police say that although anyone can be targeted, most victims are teenagers who spend a lot of time online.
Digital Safety Development Officer Laura Simpson says locally there has been a spike in cases affecting 14 to 30-year-olds.
“Sextortion is a crime which is ultimately about money.
"The criminals involved are not technologically sophisticated but know how to emotionally manipulate victims into believing they have no choice but to pay up.
"This crime plays on the feelings of guilt and shame, which makes it easy to isolate teenagers.
“Through our schools’ programme, we have shared information and advice about avoiding sextortion, and would encourage anyone who may have been a victim of this type of crime to report it.”
Sextortion is now a subject of PSHE lessons.
Police host assemblies, staff awareness training and parent and carer forums in all of Guernsey’s high schools and Colleges.
PC Nick Boughay, Police Schools Liaison Officer, says parents have to be a part of the conversation.
“Many parents may find it difficult, or even embarrassing, to talk to their children about sexually coerced extortion.
"Our advice is to treat it like any other aspect of parenting, with open, honest conversations.
"As parents, we need to look out for signs that something might be wrong, and as we think of all the potential things it could be, add into that ‘could it be something online?’”
What to do if it happens to you:
• Do not pay
• Screenshot what has happened, don’t delete anything
• Stop all contact, block and report
• Get support from a trusted adult
• Report to the Police on 222 222
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