Monday 27th July 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
Humberside Police are urging people across East Yorkshire to be vigilant after a rise in online ‘sextortion’ cases, where criminals threaten to release sexual images, videos or personal information unless victims pay money or comply with demands.
Officers say anyone can be targeted, but young people aged 15 to 17, along with adults under 30, are currently most at risk.
Sextortion typically begins on dating apps, social media, webcams or pornography sites, where offenders use fake identities to build trust. They may attempt to start a relationship unusually quickly, send sexual messages soon after contact, or ask for intimate images.
Police warn residents to be cautious if someone online:
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Tries to form a relationship very quickly, sometimes sending a sexual image first
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Begins sexual conversations soon after contact
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Has sent friend requests to large numbers of people
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Repeatedly pressures you to share sexual content
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Claims to have hacked your account or accessed your contacts
Officers say sextortion can happen within minutes or develop gradually over time. Victims may still be targeted even if they have never shared sexual images, as criminals increasingly use hacked accounts, edited content or deepfake technology to create convincing fake material.
Police also remind the public that sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent — even without blackmail — is illegal and classed as intimate image abuse or revenge porn.
Protecting Yourself
Residents are advised to stop engaging with anyone online who makes them uncomfortable, and to review privacy settings so strangers cannot easily see friends, family or personal details.
Reporting Sextortion
Humberside Police stress that victims are never to blame and should not feel ashamed about coming forward.
A spokesperson said the force understands how difficult reporting this type of crime can be, but support is available and officers are ready to listen and help.
