Sextortion is being spread like a wildfire on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Tinder, Dating sites and now Skype.

FBI describes “Sextortion” as a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute your private and sensitive material if you don’t provide those images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money.

This upcoming holidays would be the best time to strike a victim with sextortion scams according to Inquisitr since holidays are always the time some people feel lonely, in search of someone to talk to, more or less share a bed on a cold winter’s night.

Meanwhile, a writer named Kath Murphy wrote in “The Times” regarding sextortion scam, “But whether they’re looking for sexcapades or long walks on the beach, the desire for companionship and connection makes people vulnerable to a most 21st-century crime: the online romance scam, which bilked victims of all ages and orientations out of more than $200 million last year, according to the F.B.I.”

Lately, BBC News reported that a Palestinian man, Samir (not real name) fell victim to the trap. He said he was randomly added by a girl on Facebook then started messaging her via Skype. They began telling information about each other. When it came to hobbies, the girl said she likes sex a lot. Since his girlfriend was gone, he decided to ride on with the conversation.

Later on after saying goodbyes, Samir received a message on Facebook “"Listen," it says, "I'm a man, and I recorded a video of you masturbating. Do you want to see it?" The alleged man or woman then sends him a video of him. "I have a list of your friends and family from Facebook - your mom, your sister, your cousins," he says. "You have one week to send me 5,000 euros (£4,450), or I'll send them the video."

Samir then thought of giving him 2,000 euros. Unfortunately, the guy doesn't stop. He said to Samir he would upload it to YouTube. Then he actually did. Samir panicked and reported the video all over and over again until YouTube took the video down after one hour.

There is no gender preference or age limit when it comes to Skype sextortion scams. Their targets would be most likely people who share their pictures with accounts that interest them, not knowing that these are fake accounts.

FBI also stated that if you are a victim of this type of scam or even sextortion and if you are aware that someone is, please do call your local FBI office or toll-free at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

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