Police are issuing a warning about ’sextortion’ - and are urging victims not to pay blackmailers.

The warning came after an island resident was targeted twice in the same week by the same individual.

’It would be fair to assume that others have been as well but because of the nature of the blackmail, people will be reluctant to come forward,’ said a police spokesman.

Sextortion is defined as blackmail in which sexual information or images are used to extort sexual favours and/or money from the victim.

This online blackmail is often conducted by sophisticated organised criminal networks operating out of business-like locations similar to call centres.

Criminals often target hundreds of individuals around the world simultaneously, in an attempt to increase their chances of finding a victim.

In the case of the local resident, the blackmailer has told them that they have them recorded via their own webcam looking at pornography websites.

They said they had video footage of their victim performing a sex act which they will distribute to friends and family unless they receive payment in bitcoin.

Police gave this advice to those who believe they are being targeted?

Immediately cease all contact with the individual and report the matter to the police and online service provider. If the blackmail is occurring through a social network, also alert the administrator.

Do not pay the money which is being demanded.