GWENT Police are warning residents about the dangers of becoming victims of online blackmail by criminals threatening to publish explicit images or footage online.

Nationally, police have received numerous reports from both men and women who are told by blackmailers to pay large sums of money into offshore bank accounts or face seeing compromising footage of them uploaded to the internet and sent to their family and friends.

So far, one case has been reported in Gwent where a man from Ebbw Vale was targeted but no money was paid and no images were circulated.

Officers suspect there may be more victims who may be too frightened or embarrassed to report the crime.

A Gwent Police spokesman said: “While the scam can take several forms, the criminals usually target victims by adding them as a friend on social media sites such as Facebook, or through conversations on Skype or Face Time.

“They then build up a relationship with a victim before luring them into online video sex chats. Screen grabs of the compromising images and footage are then sent to the victims along with demands for cash. The recent spike in the UK has prompted forces to issue warnings for people to be vigilant.”

Gwent Police detective sergeant Allan Davies said: “In most of the cases images have not actually been distributed, but it has nevertheless been a traumatic ordeal for the victims.

“They are understandably very worried about the consequences of compromising images and videos being posted online.

“The criminals, who are very often based abroad, are clever and malicious, with a complete disregard for the people they’re attempting to exploit.

“The moment someone takes part in a video conversation of this kind they become vulnerable to exploitation and blackmail.

“The only real way to prevent this from happening is by not taking part in this kind of activity.

“For those who might be too embarrassed or nervous to report the crime please be reassured that officers will deal with complaints in a sympathetic and supportive way.”

Gwent Police say to avoid the scam, do not befriend anyone you do not know online, update your privacy settings on Facebook or do not respond to blackmailer’s demands.

For more advice visit getsafeonline.org/social-networking/webcam-blackmail