In recent months, a surge in blackmail incidents has been reported, especially involving students and young adults. Authorities are now urging individuals, particularly those on dating applications, to be vigilant and not suffer in silence if they find themselves targeted by scammers. The warning comes amidst rising concerns about the prevalence of blackmail cases, commonly referred to as “sextortion.” Fraud teams at Nationwide, the largest building society in the UK, emphasize the importance of preventive measures such as sharing information or images with trusted acquaintances before engaging in online relationships.
A sobering account shared by a Cardiff student highlights the danger of such scams. The student recounted a recent pub gathering that revealed a friend’s encounter with a potential fraudster exploiting artificial intelligence technology. Alarmingly, this reflects a troubling trend where individuals become unwitting victims of sophisticated scams. The National Crime Agency (NCA) recognized this growing menace and issued its first all-school alert last year, specifically aimed at educating teenagers on the risks of sextortion.
Sextortion typically involves individuals posing as young people online to deceive victims into sharing sexually explicit content. Once the material is acquired, the blackmail begins, often targeting students due to their vulnerable positions. Annya Burksys, head of fraud operations at Nationwide, regards these types of scams as “commonplace” in student circles, emphasizing that scammers are both “efficient and unrelenting.” Furthermore, a survey conducted by Nationwide revealed that 28% of students had fallen victim to scams, with another 50% expressing concerns about potential victimization.
It is noteworthy that the policing of such crimes presents challenges, as they are often reported inconsistently, if at all. In a Freedom of Information request issued by BBC News to various police forces throughout the UK, a staggering rise in blackmail cases linked to the term “sextortion” was unearthed. Of the 33 police forces that responded, nearly 8,000 cases were reported in 2023 compared to a mere 23 in 2014. This data starkly illustrates the growing threat of these scams, predominantly affecting individuals in England and Wales.
During a casual outing, Cardiff student Emma Evans discussed the alarming patterns detected in her friend’s conversations on dating apps. When reviewing the chats together, they swiftly identified indicators suggesting that one alluring match may not be genuine. Emma noted the frequent repetition of phrases by this individual, leading the group to suspect the use of an AI chatbot. Such experiences reinforce the necessity for users to stay vigilant and critically assess their interactions online.
Jim Winters, who oversees economic crime at Nationwide, urges those engaging with strangers online to limit the sharing of personal information or images. He cautioned that receiving unsolicited messages or noticing language inconsistencies may point to illegitimate interactions. His advice includes looking for oddities in conversation or verifying profile photos through reverse image searches. He also encourages individuals feeling uncertain or threatened to confide in trusted friends or report incidents to authorities for support.
Additionally, fraudsters are not only preying on the young but are also recently targeting bereaved families by exploiting situations of grief. Fraud schemes involve online impersonation of deceased individuals, with criminals demanding payments for access to funeral livestreams. These scams, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 lockdown, continue to victimize mourning families. Katherine Hart, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute lead officer, highlighted how damaging such scams can be, emphasizing that many potential victims hesitate to report fraud out of fear of adding stress to grieving families.
In light of these developments, it is imperative for both individuals and communities to remain vigilant against potential fraud. The call to action is clear: share information, seek guidance from trusted friends and family members, and report any suspicious activities to ensure the safety and security of oneself and others.