World · Singapore Bureau
Police alert public to sextortion scam targeting Singapore residents
Singapore authorities are warning residents of a surge in sextortion schemes involving intimate imagery and explicit video calls. At least 52 cases reported since August have resulted in combined losses exceeding $134,000.
LSN Singapore ·
Law enforcement agencies in Singapore have issued a public alert regarding a growing wave of sextortion scams that exploit victims through intimate images and sexually explicit video communications. The warning comes as reports of the fraud have accelerated in recent months, with the total number of complaints reaching at least 52 cases since August.
Victims of the scheme have collectively lost more than $134,000, according to police records. The scams typically involve perpetrators establishing contact with targets online before manipulating them into sharing intimate content or participating in explicit video calls. Fraudsters then use this material to extort money from victims under threat of exposure.
Police have advised members of the public to exercise caution when communicating with unknown individuals online, particularly on social media platforms and dating applications. Authorities recommend avoiding sharing intimate images or engaging in explicit video sessions with unverified contacts, regardless of the circumstances or perceived trustworthiness of the other party.
Residents who believe they have fallen victim to such scams are urged to report the matter to police immediately. Officials stressed that victims should preserve all evidence of communication and refrain from making further payments to perpetrators, as doing so often encourages additional extortion attempts.