Menu
17/06/2016
Warning Issued Following Several Reports Of 'Webcam Blackmail'
Police have issued a warning to be more vigilant online after several reports of webcam blackmail.
Detective Chief Inspector James Mullen said: "We all deserve to be able to use the internet to learn, explore and connect with each other. But all of us need to be aware of the risks involved in doing so, especially on social media.
"Our advice is:
• Don't share personal information or images with people who you don't know. Do not get lured into compromising situations such as removing clothes or performing intimate acts online. You do not know who may see the images. It may seem like a bit of fun at the time but there is always a chance those images could be shared or get into the wrong hands and could lead to harmful situations such as stalking, abuse or blackmail.
• Don't accept friend requests with someone you don't know - everyone online may not be who they say they are.
• Set privacy settings on all devices so that only people you know can view your account.
• If something happens to you, do not pay any money. Do not respond to the blackmailer's demands, but report the issue to the police on 101 and the relevant social networking site so that action can be taken.
• We need people to come forward and report incidents so that we can investigate and hopefully prevent others from falling victim to this type of crime."
(CD/MH)
Detective Chief Inspector James Mullen said: "We all deserve to be able to use the internet to learn, explore and connect with each other. But all of us need to be aware of the risks involved in doing so, especially on social media.
"Our advice is:
• Don't share personal information or images with people who you don't know. Do not get lured into compromising situations such as removing clothes or performing intimate acts online. You do not know who may see the images. It may seem like a bit of fun at the time but there is always a chance those images could be shared or get into the wrong hands and could lead to harmful situations such as stalking, abuse or blackmail.
• Don't accept friend requests with someone you don't know - everyone online may not be who they say they are.
• Set privacy settings on all devices so that only people you know can view your account.
• If something happens to you, do not pay any money. Do not respond to the blackmailer's demands, but report the issue to the police on 101 and the relevant social networking site so that action can be taken.
• We need people to come forward and report incidents so that we can investigate and hopefully prevent others from falling victim to this type of crime."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 May 2023
Public Urged To 'Be On Their Guard Against Fraudsters'
Causeway Coast and Glens PSNI have issued an appeal to the public to be "on their guard against fraudsters" and look out for the signs of how to spot and stop possible online scams. The appeal comes as police continue to receive reports of scams and attempted scams across Northern Ireland.
Public Urged To 'Be On Their Guard Against Fraudsters'
Causeway Coast and Glens PSNI have issued an appeal to the public to be "on their guard against fraudsters" and look out for the signs of how to spot and stop possible online scams. The appeal comes as police continue to receive reports of scams and attempted scams across Northern Ireland.
23 July 2001
Girls chased by hooded assailant in Ardglass
Police are to investigate an incident in which two girls were pursued by a man wearing a balaclava in the Ardglass area. The incident occurred at around 10.15am on Sunday 22 July, when the girls, aged 10 and 13, were playing at a rope swing near the Point Road in Killough.
Girls chased by hooded assailant in Ardglass
Police are to investigate an incident in which two girls were pursued by a man wearing a balaclava in the Ardglass area. The incident occurred at around 10.15am on Sunday 22 July, when the girls, aged 10 and 13, were playing at a rope swing near the Point Road in Killough.
09 February 2023
PSNI Welcomes Sentencing Of Diarmaid Anderson
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of a man at Londonderry Crown Court for a number of offences including wounding, aggravated burglary with intent to commit unlawful damage, common assault and criminal damage. Diarmaid Anderson, aged 33, will serve two years in custody and two years on licence.
PSNI Welcomes Sentencing Of Diarmaid Anderson
The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of a man at Londonderry Crown Court for a number of offences including wounding, aggravated burglary with intent to commit unlawful damage, common assault and criminal damage. Diarmaid Anderson, aged 33, will serve two years in custody and two years on licence.
27 May 2002
Murder inquiry launched after Markets body find
A murder inquiry has been launched after the body of a man was discovered in a flat in the Markets area of Belfast. Neighbours found the body in an upstairs flat in Friendly Place at 7.45am on Monday. Police believe the 38-year-old man had been beaten. Two men have been arrested by detectives and are helping them with their inquiries.
Murder inquiry launched after Markets body find
A murder inquiry has been launched after the body of a man was discovered in a flat in the Markets area of Belfast. Neighbours found the body in an upstairs flat in Friendly Place at 7.45am on Monday. Police believe the 38-year-old man had been beaten. Two men have been arrested by detectives and are helping them with their inquiries.
14 February 2022
Warning Issued Over 'Amorous Advances Of Online Fraudsters'
Police have issued a warning to the public to "get wise to the amorous advances of online fraudsters". The PSNI has chosen Valentine's Day to kick-start a campaign that, over the coming weeks, will ask local people to be on their guard against heartless scammers.
Warning Issued Over 'Amorous Advances Of Online Fraudsters'
Police have issued a warning to the public to "get wise to the amorous advances of online fraudsters". The PSNI has chosen Valentine's Day to kick-start a campaign that, over the coming weeks, will ask local people to be on their guard against heartless scammers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Becoming windy, westerly gales developing along the north coast. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
