Extortion Scam Alert

(Cavan-Monaghan Township, ON) – Members of the Peterborough County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning area residents of an “extortion scam” that has recently been reported.

Suspects, utilizing fake dating profiles through online dating sites, invite victims into consensual, casual online conversations. The chat then becomes sexual and the victim is encouraged to move to video chat. During the video session the victim is lured into engaging in sexual acts. Victims are secretly videotaped and suspects then demand a sum of money or they will expose the explicit video to the victim’s friends and co-workers online.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and police are reporting and increase number of cases of, what they are calling, “sextortion”.

Police encourage victims of this type of exploitation or similar crimes, to report the incident. More information on internet safety can be found online here or by visiting http://www.opp.ca/ecms/files/250363929.2.pdf

The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: www.stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.