THE latest Police Scotland column comes from Detective Superintendent Matt Peden, from the Public Protection Unit.

"As the Detective Superintendent for Lothians and Scottish Borders Division, I am delighted to provide an overview of the role of the Public Protection Unit.

"Public Protection is about protecting the public, particularly the most vulnerable members of our communities from harm and responding robustly whenever offences occur against these individuals.

"The type of crimes we typically investigate within the PPU are sexual offences, physical and sexual abuse and exploitation of children, incidents where vulnerable adults are targeted and, of course cyber-crimes with a sexual element.

"The most prevalent issue we are dealing with at present is undoubtedly ‘sextortion’. I know that Chief Inspector Fisher has discussed this matter in previous columns and provided some general advice on what to do to prevent falling victim to this scam, as well as how to respond if you have fallen victim.

"I want to now expand on this, as we are now seeing some new variations on this very devious scheme.

"In the past, the suspect would typically send a friend request via social media to a would-be victim, engage them in conversation and establish trust before requesting they send intimate videos of themselves.

"The scammer would then inform the victim that they intend to release the video online, including to friends and family, unless their demand for money, bitcoin or e-vouchers was not met.

"What we are now getting reports of are suspects doctoring intimate images that already exist online to include the head of their victim. They are also creating fictitious chat logs and conversations.

"Despite this change in approach our advice remains the same. Take care when communicating online and only use your camera to speak to someone if you are genuinely certain of who they are. Please also be mindful of anyone you do begin a dialogue with and be wary of anyone trying to initiate a relationship very quickly. If they ask you to do anything you do not wish to do, then please don’t.

"If you do find that you are being subject to a sextortion scam, then please do not panic. We will deal with your report in confidence. You will not be judged. Do not pay and do not talk any further to the offenders. Take screen shots of any communication, as well as any other information that could be used as evidence, such as any online IDs of the suspects, and pass these all to police.

"Between April 2021 and March 2022, the Scottish Borders had 33 incidents of sextortion, involving 33 separate complainers. All of these were male.

"This issue is not just happening in big cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It can and is happening everywhere and we want to do everything we can to ensure our communities are not only aware of sextortion, but can take all the necessary steps to stop themselves falling victim to it.

"Please visit our website at www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/internet-safety/sextortion for all of our advice and guidance on safeguarding yourself against this scam."