There has been a spate of male victims contacting police locally (as well as all over Australia) who are being tricked into sending intimate images of themselves to offenders using fake accounts.
The other party then demands cash or threatens to distribute the images to other contacts in his network.
These offences are often (but not always) being conducted by offenders off shore and in other jurisdictions.
Victoria Police Internet page has a reporting link to Report Cyber a federal reporting mechanism connected to all Australian police forces, as these offences cross jurisdictions and cyber offences use federal infrastructure in general and are therefore covered under federal legislation.
The report will be investigated by the appropriate party.
Offences to be reported via ReportCyber include:
• identity theft and fraud
• online fraud
• cyber-enabled abuse
• online image abuse
• affected devices.
If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, always call Triple Zero (000) first.
Image: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/cyber-security-internet-security-1914950/
