MUSCAT : The police advise victims not to send money, photographs, videos or anything else demanded by an extorter, warning that complying with an initial demand may lead to further demands. The ROP officially lists 80077444 as the hotline for reporting cyber extortion and blackmail.

Electronic extortion occurs when technology is used to threaten a person with the publication of private information, photographs or secrets in an attempt to force them to carry out an action or refrain from one.

According to the guidance, extortion can begin through fake relationships or accounts, the misuse of old personal data, malicious links or hacking. Extorters may seek money, additional photographs or videos, pressure victims into illegal acts, or attempt to exert control and humiliation.

The ROP also highlighted behavioural and financial changes that could indicate that a family member is being subjected to blackmail. These may include sudden anxiety or fear, withdrawing from family members, unexplained crying, repeated requests for money, unexplained disappearance of funds or sudden financial transfers.

Other possible warning signs include severe sadness or depression, loss of appetite, disrupted sleep and reluctance to discuss a particular subject.

The police advise victims to preserve screenshots of conversations, threats and other relevant material that could assist authorities in investigating the case.

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