CRIMINALS have tricked Borders residents into removing clothes over webcam, according to police.

Scottish Borders Police has issued a fresh warning on Facebook today (May 27).

The statement reads: "We continue to receive reports from local residents who have become victims of webcam blackmail and sextortion.

"Never get lured into removing your clothes or performing sexual acts in front of your webcam."

The statement adds: "Webcam blackmail or sextortion are incidents whereby criminals befriend victims online, by using fake identities, and then persuade them to perform sexual acts in front of their webcam, often by using attractive women/men to entice the victim to participate.

"These webcam videos are recorded by the criminals who then threaten to share the images with the victims’ friends and family.

"This can leave the victims feeling ashamed and embarrassed. Males and females of any age, anywhere, can become victims.

"If victimised, do not pay any fees but report the crime, however embarrassing it may seem at the time.

"We will take your case seriously, deal with it in confidence and will not judge you for being in this situation.

"Protect yourself by being extremely careful and selective about whom you befriend online just as you would offline, especially when considering sharing intimate images."