(NORTH PERTH, ON) – On August 22, 2022, the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of another “sextortion” scam. Sextortion is a form of extortion where a blackmailer uses the threat of publishing or sending intimate images or videos to contacts unless the victim meets their demands.
In this incident, the adult victim was communicating with an unknown person on a social media platform. The suspect sent the victim an intimate image and asked for one in return. The victim complied. The suspect then threatened to distribute the intimate images of the victim publicly if the victim did not send $500. The victim contacted police immediately, and no money was lost.
The Perth County OPP would like to remind residents to follow safe internet practices. Do not engage in conversations with strangers, and never share intimate images online.
If something similar should happen to you, immediately stop all communication with the person and do not comply with the threats. Contact police who can provide advice on the next steps to take. Also, take screenshots, and keep copies of the messages and information such as the username, social media account etc.
For more information on frauds, you can visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca. For more information about online safety, especially for children and teens, visit Canadian Centre for Child Protection or Don’t Get Sextorted
