South Australia Police is warning 'sextortion' scammers are targeting victims as young as 16 years old on social media.
Police have received reports of people sending "intimate" photos or videos, who are then threatened into paying the money to stop offenders from releasing the content.
"Victims as young as 16 years old are been targeted through social media through random friend requests," the statement said.
"From there, an exchange in messages takes place which develops into a request for intimate images or videos from the victim.
"The offender then threatens to distribute the images to the victim's family and friends, unless a payment is made."
Police said offenders can also email victims claiming they have been filmed visiting adult websites or performing intimate acts whilst online.
Offenders often include an old password or username the victim has used to try and give some legitimacy to the claims.
Police have warned against sending intimate photos or videos online, to refuse demands for payment and to report such requests to authorities.
