Waitemata Police are investigating a number of reports of an email extortion scam

The email tells people a video's been taken through their webcam showing the user looking at pornographic websites.

Scammers then threaten to send the video onto friends and family, unless 1900-dollars in bitcoins is paid.

Detective Senior Sergeant Callum McNeill says unfortunately some victims were so concerned they've paid money to the scammers.

He says anyone who receives an email of this nature should delete it immediately and contact Police by phoning ten five.