Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 09 March 2024
Andaman and Nicobar Police have issued a crucial advisory to combat the rising threat of sextortion, a form of blackmail where cybercriminals leverage intimate images to extort victims. This alarming trend has prompted authorities to provide guidance on safeguarding against such malicious activities, particularly highlighting the role of organised crime in perpetrating these crimes.
Sextortion, a nefarious practice gaining traction globally, involves threats to share intimate images or videos of victims unless they comply with the demands of the perpetrators. While individuals can perpetrate sextortion, organized crime often plays a significant role, especially when the objective is financial gain. Perpetrators, whether located within India or abroad, target both men and women indiscriminately, making it a pervasive threat in the digital realm.
To empower individuals in protecting themselves against sextortion, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have outlined several preventive measures:
1. Exercise Caution with Unknown Contacts: Individuals are advised to refrain from responding to unknown video calls, friend requests, or messages from unfamiliar numbers. Similarly, initiating contact with strangers through friend requests should be avoided.
2. Safeguard Personal Information: It’s crucial to avoid sharing personal phone numbers online unless there is a strong familiarity with the recipient.
3. Exercise Discretion with Intimate Content: Sharing intimate photos or videos on social media platforms or messaging applications should be avoided, as such content can be exploited for blackmail purposes.
4. Maintain Records and Report Incidents: Victims are urged to keep a detailed record of all communications from the blackmailer(s), including demands and threats. This information is invaluable for reporting the incident to authorities.
For those seeking assistance, information, or reporting incidents related to sextortion, individuals are encouraged to contact the Cyber Crime Police Station in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Help can be accessed through the National Helpline Number 1930, the A&N Police Helpline Number 9531856083, or by visiting cybercrime.gov.in.