Another local “sextortion” case has police reminding residents about the risks of sharing images online.
The latest warning comes following a 15-year-old West Perth native that became the victim of online “sextortion.” The victim shared intimate photos online with someone they met online a year ago, and the suspect recently sent the images to the victim’s friends over a social media app and demanded money to have them removed. Scammers will use fake identities online and lure victims into sharing intimate photos or videos online and then use those to demand payment from victims.
“There is always a risk in sharing any personal or sexually explicit images over the intent,” police said. “Think twice before you send or post anything. Before you hit send, remember that you cannot control where this image or video may travel.”
If someone starts demanding payment and threatening you regarding photos or videos, never pay the money, block them from all social media, screen shot messages they sent you and immediately contact police.
If you are a victim of a “sextortion” scam call police at 1-888-310-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501.
For more information on current fraud trends please visit that Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at: http://www.antifraudcentre-
