SINGAPORE: Cyber bad guys have exploited the increase in online action and digital solutions over the last couple of years because of the Covid-19 pandemic, with 203 cyber extortion cases reported within the first half of this season, a 47% raise from the 138 instances cited during the same period last year.
The total number of cases a year ago stood at 420, said the police.
In its release of the mid-year crime stats last Monday, the authorities revealed that internet extortion victims have lost more than S$754, 000 (RM2. 40mil) so far this year, almost twice the S$405, 000 (RM1. 29mil) lost during the first six months of last year. The total amount lost by sufferers last year was a minimum of S$1. 3mil (RM4. 14mil).
In contrast, there were 245 cases for the whole of 2020, with more than S$793, 1000 (RM2. 53mil) in total extorted.
Most cyber extortion instances involve victims becoming tricked into appearing nude or performing sexual acts in front of the webcam.
In other cases, perpetrators would certainly persuade victims to talk about their nude photos or videos upon social media platforms. They would then extort money from victims by threatening to flow the footage or even photos online.
In response to queries from The Sunday Times , the police said: “Cyber criminals have been benefiting from the pandemic in which a surge in online activity and electronic services has been observed and people are more and more looking for services on the internet, or befriending individuals online, thus placing them at risk of exploitation by cyber extortion. ”
Instagram is the most common platform used to approach sufferers, followed by Facebook plus Tinder, the police added.
Chong Ee Jay, an internet wellness expert from Focus on the Family Singapore, said perpetrators would never ask for revealing photos at the onset, but rather set about developing a partnership with victims first to make them feel comfortable so they would eventually let their guard down.
He cited one case last year, when a female approached him pertaining to advice regarding the girl classmate.
Her classmate, a Secondary 4 girl, had began talking to a man upon Instagram and they changed many flirtatious text messages.
“After three months of talking, the man asked her intended for photos of himself. It did not begin with nude photos, yet ones where the lady was dressed provocatively, and she gave him those photos, ” said Chong.
The man subsequently requested nude photos and he or she refused.
“He then threatened to send the provocative photos he had to her college, to the newspapers and to pornographic sites in the event that she did not spend him S$1, 1000, ” said Mister Chong.
The woman made a police report.
“This girl had just broken up with the girl boyfriend so the girl was posting very often on social media. Similarly, some other victims may talk about their heartbreak online, in the hopes of getting some form of convenience and validation, ” he explained.
“But that weeknesses may draw the interest of perpetrators, whom may want to exploit them. ”
Dr Annabelle Chow, primary clinical psychologist in Annabelle Psychology, agreed.
“The Internet is where many people consider to get their needs met, whether it is physical, psychological or emotional. I think Covid-19 may have exacerbated this issue.
“During the particular pandemic, some people may have become more isolated and when they’re lonely, they tend to be more susceptible. ”
Chong is worried there might be more of such situations.
“Technological development means that perpetrators may seek new methods to exploit and engage victims… My problem is that more young adults are using technology as well as its platforms, so associated with them could be exploited. ”
Dr Chow urged all those in such situations to talk to a trusted adult.
“Victims should also statement it to the law enforcement. There is no guarantee the fact that problem will go away with money, or that the culprit will not threaten them again, ” she additional.
The police stated they have been working with the particular National Crime Prevention Council to notify the public to the risk of cyber extortion and educate them on crime avoidance measures.
“(We) will be rolling out targeted advertising on online platforms to boost awareness of cyber extortion and emphasise public vigilance, ” added the police. – The particular Straits Times (Singapore)/Asia News Network