Authorities have issued a warning for parents to be aware of what their children are doing online after Victoria Police issued a warning about an increase in sexual extortion.

"The psychological and social impacts on teens and young men and women who are preyed on in sextortion is often significant," said Victoria police Chief Del Manak in a release Monday.

"Sextortion is a crime. I know it can feel awkward or uncomfortable, but talking to a trusted adult, whether a parent, teacher or a VicPD officer about what you’re experiencing can be the first step in stopping it," he said.

The force says people contact potential victims online claiming to be teen girls or young women interested in a relationship.

After being convinced to send images, the victims are told they’ll need to pay a ransom, or the  photos would be shared online.

The recent warning follows similar incidents being reported by police departments across the country.