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More than 110 cases of sextortion are reported to police forces across the UK every month according to the National Crime Agency.

It's where people are targeted by blackmailers who threaten to publish digitally altered sexually explicit images of them on line and to their friendship groups unless they hand over increasing large amounts of money.

It’s a fast-moving, deeply distressing crime, and it’s targeting teenage boys and young men in growing numbers.

And behind every report is often a young person, scared, ashamed, and unsure where to turn.

Jo is a mum from Coventry, it's not her real name and her words are spoken by an actor, her fifteen year old son was targeted.

The National Crime Agency launched a campaign in Spring 2025 to raise awareness amongst teachers, parents and carers. Alex Murray, NCA Director of threat leadership, said sextortion is an "unimaginably cruel" crime. "A lot of victims feel responsible for the situation they find themselves in, but we need them to know this is absolutely not the case - you are not to blame and help and support is available."

Image credit: Getty.

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