Number of Greater Manchester children blackmailed over naked photos in 'sextortion' scams soars
manchestereveningnews.co.ukThe 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'. READ MORE: Teenage boy rushed to hospital after 'acid attack' in Greater Manchester 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.
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