UK building society Nationwide has revealed that men in their 20s are the most likely targets of sextortion scams, making up nearly half of the cases it reviewed for a study.

Sextortion, a scam in which someone threatens to share intimate photos, videos or information of a victim unless they are paid, is on the rise, according to the UK’s National Crime Agency. A new review of 50 cases by Nationwide found that the average age of those targeted was 25, with a range from 13 to 70.

The bank found that 47 per cent of victims were aged 20-29, and 98 per cent were male. One interviewee shared that he met someone on dating app Tinder, and after exchanging images and video calling with them, he received a threatening phone call demanding money, with further threats after his initial payment.

The results of separate research carried out on behalf of Nationwide reveal that 16–24-year-olds are also the age group most worried about younger people sharing intimate images, which the building society said could be the result of them having seen the consequences firsthand.

Additionally, 54 per cent of secondary school and university students feel as though scams are becoming harder to spot in general, and nearly one quarter report having been scammed.

“These cases illustrate how scammers exploit vulnerability, urgency, and shame, especially among younger people who may have limited experience with fraud or feel too embarrassed to ask for help early,” said Jim Winters, head of economic crime at Nationwide.

“The safest way to protect yourself is not to share anything that you wouldn’t want in the wrong hands. Maybe easier said than done but the damage caused here is far beyond financial.”

Earlier in April, TSB warned of an increase in “cruel” friendship fraud cases, which primarily target the elderly and carry an average loss of £3,100.

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