Police have issued a warning about blackmailers who are targeting people in Powys with 'sextortion' emails and social media messages during lockdown.

Dyfed-Powys Police has received reports from people who have been contacted online demanding money, and threatening to share intimate photos or videos if they do not pay.

Blackmailers often claim to have hacked their phone or computer and set up a dual screen system where they could record what the victim was watching, as well as what they were doing. Victims are told the hacker has videos of them, which again would be shared with family and friends.

DC Gareth Jordan said: “The most important aspect in investigations of this kind is the safeguarding and support we offer to victims. People in this position feel embarrassed and vulnerable, and we need to ensure they are offered support, or know where to go to receive it.

“We urge all victims to report incidents to police – you are not alone, and by taking that step you could help prevent other people from becoming victims.”

Officers are concerned that with people being advised to stay at home, blackmailers might have more opportunity to target victims.

People are being contacted to make payments to people in places including the Ivory Coast, the Philippines, or Ukraine.

Dyfed-Powys Police gave the following advice: "Don’t panic. Stay calm and report it to police immediately. Your case will be taken seriously, it will be dealt with in confidence, and no judgements will be made on your behaviour.

"Don’t pay. In some cases where victims have paid in the hope that the threats will go away, they have continued to receive demands. If you have already paid, check if the money has been collected. If it has, and you are able to, make a note of where it was collected. If it hasn’t then you can cancel the payment – and the quicker the better.

"Don’t communicate with the offender. Take screenshots of any conversations, deactivate the social media account they contacted you on and use online reporting processes to report the matter to the social media platform. Deactivating the account, rather than shutting it down, will ensure data is preserved and will assist police in obtaining evidence."

To report blackmail or sextortion to Dyfed-Powys Police call 101. If you are at immediate threat of harm, always call 999.