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A message has been sent out to men feeling lonely over Christmas about the growing trend of online sexual extortion

'Sextortion' mostly sees men of all ages being targeted by the criminal gangs over internet dating sites and social media, although women are also targeted.

The National Crime Agency expects to see a rise in ‘sextortion’ cases around the festive period, when more men may be feeling lonely or isolated and turn to these websites seeking solace.

The crime is a form of blackmail where crooks, pretending to be attractive and flirtatious women, contact victims and ask to video chat.

(Image: National Crime Agency/PA Wire)

Once in the video chat things quickly escalate with the victim being encouraged to perform mutual sexual acts in front of their webcam. They are secretly recorded and then begin to receive demands for money, with the threat that if they don’t comply, the video will be posted for their friends, family and the rest of the world to see.

More than 1,500 cases of sextortion have been reported to police forces in the UK in 2018.

Has this happened to you? Happening now? Call the police on 999

If this has happened recently, call the police on 101

Do not pay any money

Stop communicating with the person immediately

Report to your internet service provider

Screengrab and write down as much information as possible

If you’re under 18, report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP)

A spokesman for the National Crime Agency said: "Many people use webcams for flirting and cybersex - but sometimes people you meet online aren't who they say they are.

"Criminals might befriend victims online by using a fake identity and then persuade them to perform sexual acts in front of their webcam, often by using an attractive woman to entice the victim to participate. These women may have been coerced into these actions using financial incentives or threats.

"These webcam videos are recorded by the criminals who then threaten to share the images with the victims’ friends and family. This can make the victims feel extremely ashamed and embarrassed and, tragically, here in the UK at least four young men have taken their own lives after being targeted in this way.

"Both men and women can be victims of this crime, either by being blackmailed or by being coerced into carrying out sexual acts.

"The best way to stop yourself from becoming a victim is to be very careful about who you befriend with online, especially if you’re considering sharing anything intimate with them."

For more information about sextortion visit the National Crime Agency website .