Extortion over sexually explicit content is becoming an "extremely profitable" cyber crime during SA's lockdown.
This is according to security specialists and law experts who have seen an increase in this type of online criminal activity during the mandatory confinement.
Cyber criminals‚ particularly "sextortionists"‚ are capitalising on the fact that many South Africans are online while staying at home.
These criminals are duping people into sharing explicit material of themselves‚ and then threatening to expose them if money or sexual favours are not given.
Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services said: "Especially within the confinement of the pandemic‚ these types of criminal activities have become extremely profitable.
"A new and concerning trend brought to our attention is the appearance of South African women in this form of victimisation.
"This is a trend perpetrated by women of all classes‚ circumstances‚ ethnic backgrounds and education."
Social media law expert Emma Sadleir has been inundated with complaints about sextortion during the lockdown.
"Everything is happening online. People are home and bored‚ so many are willing to send pictures‚" said Sadleir.
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