ROP warns parents of blackmail risks in online gaming

MUSCAT: Video games have become interactive platforms that allow players to communicate directly through voice and video, which poses a new challenge in the cybersecurity field.
The widespread adoption of online multiplayer games and the integration of chat features have resulted in an increase in cyber threats, which requires community awareness of how to deal with such cases. Brigadier Jamal bin Habib al Quraishi, Director-General of the Directorate of Inquiries and Criminal Investigation, said, “Video games have transformed into digital communities that encourage communication with unknown individuals, which creates an ideal environment for cybercriminals to lure children and teenagers, where they build a relationship of trust and then move to making inappropriate requests.”

Players at a young age are more likely to fall victim to blackmail through video games, where chatting with unknown individuals leads them to disclose personal information.
“Some cases ended in convincing children to take pictures of their family members, which were used later to blackmail them. In addition, the danger can exceed simple threats like bullying and exposure to inappropriate content; it can involve exploiting them to commit acts against morals and public decency,” Brigadier al Quraishi said. Children and teenagers who fall victim to blackmail usually do not inform their parents. Therefore, it is vital to pay attention to any behavioural abnormalities, such as sudden sadness, anxiety, lying, and fear of losing a mobile phone or of letting anyone browse it.
Brigadier Al Quraishi advised parents to avoid reactions that show anger, blame, and threats. Instead of that, they should focus on supporting and encouraging the child to fully disclose what happened.

Most importantly, parents must avoid deleting chats, images, videos, and any accounts related to the case, which are considered valuable in determining the identity of the extortionist.”
The Royal Oman Police deals strictly and confidentially with these cases, especially if the victim is underage. Hence, it is critical to report them immediately and avoid attempting to resolve the issue independently or searching for and confronting the perpetrator, leaving the handling and tracking of the incident to the specialised authority.
Brigadier Al Quraishi stressed, “Our goal is to protect the privacy of the victim, stop the blackmailing, identify the extortionist even if he uses fake accounts, and take legal action against him.”
The Royal Oman Police urges video game enthusiasts of all ages to use communication features responsibly and to avoid sending photos or disclosing sensitive information that can be used against them by cybercriminals.