Hong Kong students, some as young as 11 years old, were targeted in a disturbing trend of “naked-chat blackmail” scams in the first half of this year. Police issued a warning to residents to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online.
Perpetrators entice victims to undress during video calls and then threaten to share the compromising pictures and videos unless a ransom is paid. They use social media to befriend targets, grooming them for exploitation and coercing them into silence.
In a recent case, a 13-year-old girl was lured by a male acquaintance online who posed as a tutor offering study tips. The predator eventually tried to rape her after arranging a meeting in a hotel. This alarming incident underscores the importance of online safety awareness.
The police’s CyberDefender initiative aims to educate the public about the dangers of online interactions and prevent such crimes. It is crucial for both parents and children to be vigilant and cautious while navigating the digital world.