01-05-2025
Sextortion gangs using AI porn fakes to target rising number of Scots victims
Sextortion gangs are using AI porn fakes to target an increasing number of Scots victims, a leading charity warned yesterday. Advice Direct Scotland has warned of the growing threat of online scammers using artificial intelligence to make naked photos of potential targets as figures revealed thousands falling victim to sex scams across the country. The charity has urged Scots to speak out and seek help if they are blackmailed by criminals who threaten to release fake indecent images - known as 'deepfakes' - unless they pay money or carry out demands. The alert comes after it emerged that more than 2,000 Scots were targeted in extortion scams in the last five years - including a shocking 1,200 children. Hazel Knowles, senior project lead for Advice Direct Scotland, which runs and said AI exploitation by criminals was expected to rise as the technology becomes increasingly advanced and more accessible. She said: 'When dealing with any scams, staying calm and composed is crucial. 'It is very important to seek help and avoid panic even though receiving such emails can feel invasive and alarming. 'Help is available and you're not alone. Experts advise not to pay any ransom as criminals often persist with threats even after payment or may target people again, adding them to a list of previous payers. 'Paying does not guarantee that the images won't be shared.' Scammers have previously used photos that victims have shared of themselves, often with former partners or abusers who used false identities to gain their trust. The crimes see victims - predominantly young men - being enticed to send explicit photos or videos to someone who has befriended them online. In March, it was reported that an estimated 2,080 crimes of threats and extortion were committed online in 2023-24 - an increase of 14% from the estimated 1,830 recorded in the previous year. The Police Scotland figure was a six-fold increase from the estimated 290 recorded in 2019-20, with the force stating that most of the crimes recorded relate to sextortion. However, data from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said just 10 charges of threats and extortion were reported to it in 2023/24 where the charge contained reference to disclosure of (or threatening) to disclose intimate images. During the same year, just one person was convicted while another case was said to be ongoing. But concerns have grown in recent month over AI being used to 'nudify' and manipulate photos taken from social media. A senior UK police chief has warned that paedophiles, scammers, hackers and criminals are increasingly exploiting AI to target victims in new and harmful ways. Alex Murray, the national police lead for AI, said police had to 'move fast' to keep on top of the threat as more and more criminals gain access to the tool, saying: 'It can happen on an international and serious organised crime scale, and it can happen in someone's bedroom.' Advice Direct is offering advice to Scots in a bid to reduce the number of people targeted in this way. Knowles added: 'Scams can lead to both emotional and financial turmoil, often leaving individuals feeling extremely vulnerable, totally betrayed and alone. 'However, it's crucial to remember that being scammed is nothing to be ashamed of. If you're feeling concerned or in need of assistance, our specialist advisers are here to offer free, unbiased, and practical support.' Tips to beat the scammers include making sure that social media privacy settings are secure so that shared information is limited to trusted individuals and avoiding disclosing private details or images, particularly to people you've only interacted with online. Strong, unique passwords should be used and two-step verifications enabled on all accounts. People should be wary about clicking on links in emails or messages that request personal information, like passwords or sensitive data. Free, impartial advice is available by calling 0808 164 6000 or using web chat and email at . Suspected scams can also be reported through the ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool at .
