🚨 Financially Motivated Sexual Extortion (FMSE) Awareness 🚨

We have recently received a number of calls relating to FMSE……     But what is FMSE you ask…..

FMSE is when criminals use fake or compromised online profiles to build trust, persuade people to share intimate images, and then demand money while threatening to share those images with friends and family. This is known as Financially Motivated Sexual Extortion (FMSE) or "sextortion".

Victims of any age or gender can be targeted, although teenage boys and young adult males are particularly at risk. 

As a parent, you can help by: 

✅ Having regular, open conversations about online safety.
✅ Reassuring your child they can come to you without fear of judgement.
✅ Encouraging privacy settings on social media and gaming platforms.
✅ Talking to them around the dangers of sharing intimate images.
✅ Reminding them that if something goes wrong, it's never their fault. 

If you are being threatened: 

❌ Don't pay.
✅ Stop communication.
✅ Save evidence.

Remember, if this happens to you, it is not your fault. Help and support are available. 

Make a report to West Mercia Police on 101 or via the online reporting form.  The platform the message was received on and to Report Fraud online or via 0300 123 2040

Additional guidance and support can be found through CEOP (for under 18s), or the Revenge 🤬 Helpline website (for adults) and via our Padlet page - Cyber & Fraud Protect - Family Resources