Increasing cases of explicit images being used to blackmail young people have prompted a warning to parents and carers as schools return to classes.
Sextortion is on the rise and in many cases the outcomes can be disastrous and hugely stressful for those targeted, the Australian Federal Police warned on Friday.
Offenders trick or coerce someone into sending sexual images of themselves before threatening to share the images unless their demands are met.
Those demands can range from soliciting money, to calling for more graphic content or even sexual favours.
Around 300 cases of children falling victim to sextortion are being reported nationally each month, according to the latest data from the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
AFP commander for human exploitation Helen Schneider said there were tell-tale signs of sextortion that parents and carers should be aware of.
"Some warning signs include incoming friend requests from strangers or people pretending to be friends with your child, sudden sexualised questions, conversations, or photos from a random profile, who then ask for some in return," she said.
Ms Schneider said victims of sextortion had been driven to suicide or self-harm in Australia and overseas.
"We want parents and carers to be alert to the signs, report and seek help and guidance if they have been targeted by offenders," she said.
"If your child is or has been a victim, it is important to stay calm and reassure them that it's not their fault and that there is help available."
Other warning signs of sextortion include getting a direct message on one app before being asked to continue chatting on a different app and a person saying their webcam or microphone are not working for video calls that could confirm their identity.
If someone does fall victim to sextortion, AFP experts advise not sending any more content or paying as it could lead to further demands.
Victims are advised to take screenshots of chats for a police report, block any profiles soliciting content and notify platform administrators.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
