I sent nude pics to woman – but now she’s blackmailing me and threatening to tell my wife if I don’t send her money

DEAR DEIDRE: EXCHANGING nude pics with a woman I met online was meant to be a harmless thrill, but she’s blackmailing me and I’m petrified I’ll lose my family.

So far I’ve sent her £550 and she’s told me if I don’t send more, she will tell my wife everything.

I’m a 45-year-old man. My wife is 42, we’ve been married for 12 years and have daughters of ten and eight.

My work takes me away from home most weeks and the long evenings in hotels are boring and lonely.

Out of curiosity, I started looking at chat forums and began messaging random women.

To break up the monotony, I wanted some excitement.

I started talking to a stunning woman in her late 20s.

The conversation was flirty and full of innuendo.

Within the hour she suggested I send her pictures of myself in the nude.

I was hesitant but after more persuasion from her, and a couple of her own naked selfies, I sent them.

Just a couple of days later, my blood ran cold when I opened a message from her saying she knows everything about me.

She knew where I live and work, that I’m married and all about my family.

She went on to demand that I put £550 in her account by the end of the day, otherwise she’d send my wife my naked selfies.

Panicking, I transferred the cash straight away.

I didn’t hear anything for another week, and hoped that was the end of it. But another message dropped. This time she demanded £1,000.

I explained I didn’t have it but she told me I have two weeks to cough up. I have been so stupid and naive. I love my wife and family.

What can I do? I desperately need help before this gets even more out of control.

DEIDRE SAYS: Blackmail is illegal, as is sharing or threatening to share private sexual images without consent.

I realise how frightening this must be, but don’t pay another penny, otherwise she’ll simply demand more and more.

Seek support from the Revenge Porn Helpline (revengepornhelpline.org.uk, 0845 6000 459).

I’m afraid this is a familiar scam that many fall prey to.

Keep a record of all correspondence.

Talk to your wife. It won’t be an easy conversation, but you will feel better for getting this out in the open.