The Royal Oman Police has issued a warning to parents about the rising risks of blackmail and cybercrime associated with online video games, particularly those that include voice and video communication features. As interactive platforms where players can directly communicate with others, these games have become fertile ground for cybercriminals targeting children and teenagers.

Brigadier Jamal bin Habib al Quraishi, Director-General of the Directorate of Inquiries and Criminal Investigation, highlighted the evolving nature of video games, which have increasingly become digital communities. These environments enable interactions with unknown individuals, creating opportunities for offenders to establish trust with young players and subsequently make inappropriate or exploitative requests.

According to Brigadier al Quraishi, young gamers are especially vulnerable to being blackmailed after sharing personal information during in-game chats. Some cases have reportedly escalated to children being convinced to take photos of their family members, which were later used to threaten or extort them. He noted that the risks extend beyond conventional bullying or exposure to unsuitable content to include potential exploitation for actions that violate moral and public decency standards.

The police emphasized that victims, particularly minors, often do not disclose such incidents to their parents, making behavioral changes such as sudden sadness, anxiety, dishonesty, or fear of losing or allowing access to mobile devices crucial warning signs for caregivers. Brigadier al Quraishi advised parents to avoid angry or blaming reactions and instead encourage open communication, offering support to help children fully share their experiences.

Importantly, parents are urged to preserve all digital evidence related to such incidents—including chats, images, videos, and account information—as these are vital for investigations. The Royal Oman Police assures families that cases involving underage victims are handled with strict confidentiality, underscoring the importance of reporting incidents promptly rather than attempting to address them independently or confronting suspects.

Brigadier al Quraishi stated that the police’s objectives include safeguarding the victim’s privacy, halting the extortion, identifying perpetrators—even those operating under false identities—and pursuing legal action against offenders.

In closing, the Royal Oman Police called on gamers of all ages to use communication functions within video games responsibly and to refrain from sharing photos or sensitive personal details that could be exploited by cybercriminals.