In the last 24 hours more than nine reports of "sextortion" have been made to the police - where teenagers have been blackmailed over intimate photos.
Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed the young people have been asked for money to ensure the photos are not shared any further.
The amount demanded ranges from hundreds of pounds to thousands, and in some instances the money has been paid and the photos still shared.
Detective superintendent Matt Phillips said: “We are asking parents and teenagers to be mindful about what they share online and with whom, especially those who use chatrooms and online dating sites, or who are chatting with people they do not personally know on social media.”
The police warned that offenders are befriending victims online by using a fake identity.
Detective Phillips said: “In some cases the offender sends what they claim is an intimate photo of themselves to persuade the victim to share a similar photo.”
If someone suspects they have been a victim of sextortion they should contact the police and have been urged to not communicate with the person or pay any money.
Police said not to delete any correspondence and take screenshots of the conversations.
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