Police in East Renfrewshire investigating sextortion against teens
Suspects have been financially blackmailing their victims online.
Officers in East Renfrewshire are investigating after young boys aged between 12-17 were targeted online in so-called sextortion scams.
Suspects have been financially blackmailing their victims online.
Police are appealing to the public to be mindful.
Local area commander, Chief Inspector Paul Daley said: "Sextortion is blackmail and those targeted should not pay, nor should they be embarrassed or scared to report it to police.
"Criminals use the internet, social media and dating apps, to befriend people online and then threaten to share images to their family and friends for financial gain.
"People shouldn't panic. We want people to know they will be treated with respect and dignity and the circumstances investigated professionally.
"There is information available on the Police Scotland website on ways you can stay safe online - such as not sharing intimate images."
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