Police have received more than 40 reports of scams in Northern Ireland in recent days.
Between Thursday April 16 and Saturday, cyber criminals targeted and threatened individuals all around Northern Ireland.
The majority of the attempts reported were sex-tortion scams with residents in counties Antrim, Down, Tyrone and Derry among those targeted by email.
Those targeted were told if didn't pay £2,000, X-rated or compromising photos of them would be sent to their families, or that images or footage of them accessing pornographic websites would be released.
Other phishing emails saw scammers tell the recipient that they have their password in an attempt to convince them they're a genuine threat. They claimed they have access to indecent images of the person and would release them publicly unless they paid £2,000.
Other scams saw callers claiming to be from banks or involved MOTs, amid claims appointments had been cancelled and a refund was due. Both times saw callers asked for bank details.
One other report was about workmen taking money from a householder for work yet to be completed.
Chief Superintendent Simon Walls reminded the public that scammers will stop at nothing to dupe people, even during the global Covid-19 pandemic.
"Thankfully, in relation to the reports we have received in the last few days, people appear to be aware of the fraudsters and it appears they haven't fallen for their scams," he said.
"Scammers are ruthless, unscrupulous individuals who don't care about the impact of their actions on victims, which can sometimes can be life changing and which often has a significant impact. All scammers care about is getting money from their victims".
Chief Superintendent Walls added: "It's really important that parents and guardians know what their loved ones' online activity is, who their children are engaging with and what sites they are visiting.
"It's also important people have a conversation with their loved ones, and with each other, so they are aware of the extraordinary lengths scammers will go to and the abhorrent tactics they will employ.
"Never ever give out any personal or financial information to an unverified source via email or over the phone".
