Number of Greater Manchester children blackmailed over naked photos in 'sextortion' scams soars

The number of children falling victim to 'sextortion' crimes climbed 300 per cent between 2022 and 2023

The number of children who are being blackmailed over naked photos in Greater Manchester is soaring.

Data obtained by the Manchester Evening News shows a 300 per cent increase in reports of children falling victim to 'sextortion' scams between 2022 and 2023 - and a greater than 600 per cent increase since 2020. Sextortion is a form of blackmail which involves someone coercing a victim into sending them indecent photos or videos before threatening to publish them online unless the victim sends cash, gifts, or favours.

Greater Manchester Police called sextortion crimes 'very serious' and said the increase is 'concerning', adding they are 'dedicated to ensuring the safety of children' and 'taking robust action'.

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In 2023, 88 reports of children falling victim to sextortion scams were made - up from 22 reports in 2022. The number has increased steadily since 2020, when GMP recorded 12 reports of sextortion involving under 18s.

A Mirror investigation published last month found that across the country, up to 100 children a day are falling victim to these scams, often run by criminal gangs based abroad. The criminals create fake identities using stolen photos to reach out and befriend people before starting to flirt and 'sext', requesting explicit photos.

Once these have been provided, the criminals demand money, warning that if they don’t get paid, the images will be shared with the victim’s social media contacts, such as family and friends. They found children have been targeted across all social media apps.

Detective Inspector Zoe Marsden from GMP’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team said, “It is understandably concerning that the number of young people falling victim to sextortion has increased in the Greater Manchester area.

“Collectively within GMP, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of children, including when they are online, and taking robust action against those exploiting them for their own personal gain.

“Sextortion can be an incredibly traumatic and isolating crime for those it impacts, particularly as victims often feel embarrassed or ashamed about what has happened to them. I want to reassure you that there is no need to be ashamed, and it is not your fault.

“We encourage anyone who has been a victim of sextortion to report this to us online or via our 101 line. If you feel too scared to report to police, please speak to a parent, teacher, support worker or loved one who can report on your behalf, or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you will remain anonymous.

“If you speak to us, you will be heard and supported.”

Sextortion is a very serious crime; a form of blackmail which involves someone taking or coercing another into sending them intimate (indecent in the case of children) photos or videos and then threatening to publish them online unless the victim sends cash, gifts, or favours. In some cases, it can lead to victims handing over large sums of money, or committing criminal offences to stop the release of this information.

Information, advice and how to get support can be found here: Sextortion | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk). Always use 999 in an emergency.

Have you been affected by sextortion scams? Please contact nicole.woottoncane@reachplc.com if you want to share your story.