Lancashire Police warn of rising sextortion blackmail in Preston

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 15:31 · Archive

Lancashire Police has warned of a rise in sextortion cases in Preston, with 39 reports between July and October 2026.

Lancashire Police has warned of a rise in sextortion blackmail across Preston, with 39 cases reported between July 1 and October 13, 2026. The scam involves offenders threatening to release intimate images or sensitive information unless victims pay money, often via gift vouchers which makes recovery harder for victims.

Criminals typically create fake profiles on social media and messaging platforms to gain victims' trust, then persuade them to share intimate images before making demands. Sergeant Stella Edwards from Preston's Neighbourhood Policing Team said the increase was concerning and noted that in many cases sextortion is linked to organised criminals, including offenders operating from overseas, which can escalate rapidly from initial contact to threats.

Victims are threatened with having intimate images or information shared with family, friends or employers if demands are not met. Police say paying rarely stops the demands and often leads to further requests for money. Victims are advised to stop all communication, keep evidence and report to police immediately. Lancashire Police has urged the public to be cautious when interacting with individuals met online, review social media privacy settings, and avoid sharing intimate images or videos.

How it is being reported

• Warning over 'sextortion scams' targeting teens and adults in Preston amid worrying surge in reportsThere have been 39 reports of online blackmail in Preston in the last three months...Chorley Guardian · 3 Nov, 14:13
• Police reveal the Lancs area where 'sextortion' blackmail reports are on riseLancashire Police has warned of 'sextortion' following a rise in reports of online blackmail across Preston.Lancashire Telegraph · 3 Nov, 14:09

In this story: Lancashire Police · Preston · Sergeant Stella Edwards

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