Detectives have launched an investigation after several people were targeted by webcam blackmailers threatening to post explicit images of them online.

A number of people have recently reported the incidents to police across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde who have now issued advice and warned members of the public to be aware.

The victims initially agree to online chats or webcam chats in which they are asked to remove clothing or perform sex acts on camera.

Those behind the extortion scams then directly contact the person in question and threaten to post images or videos of them on social media if they do not hand over cash.

A statement from Police Scotland says: "We have recently had several incidents of webcam extortion reported within Renfrewshire and Inverclyde where victims have consensually engaged in online web chat or webcam activities during which the person they are chatting to has asked them to remove clothing and perform sexual acts on camera.

"Once the victim agrees to this their actions are thereafter recorded by the person they are speaking to online.

"Shortly after they have performed these acts the person they are in conversation with or someone acting along with them contacts the victim directly and demands they pay a sum of money to them to prevent the images being posted publicly online or through social media.

"Police Scotland has published some information to help you keep safe online and this can be found at: http://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/keep-secure-online."

Detective superintendent Andy Lawson said: "Victims of webcam extortion can often feel embarrassed, fearful or vulnerable.

"I understand that, but I would like to reassure those who have been affected by this type of crime that any reports made to the police will be investigated in a professional, discreet and sensitive manner.

"I would encourage any person who has concerns that they or someone they know has been a victim of a webcam extortion, to please report the matter to police by phoning 101 or in an emergency 999."

Police Scotland advice:

• Webcam is not private, it can be recorded or shared;

• Be alert to the fact many people are not who they often say they are online. You should only trust those you know personally.

• If using are online chatrooms be careful about any relationships that you form and remember that sometimes the other person you are engaging with may have different motives for forming the relationship than you have;

• Online relationships can develop quickly, but you should not hesitate to end any that you are not comfortable with.