Dangers of “sextortion” scams again being expressed by police

By Ryan Drury
January 25, 2023 2:35pm

Local police are once again trumpeting the dangers of online “sextortion” scams following another recent example in Perth County.

Perth County OPP are investigating a recent case in which a 15-year-old from West Perth was victimized by a stranger met on a popular social media app. Investigators say the youth shared intimate photos with the suspect, who then began threatening the youth with exposure of the images to friends and family if more photos were not sent. The victim ended up sending the suspect $150 in the hopes the “sextortion” would end.

Police are reminding the public that there is inherent risk in sharing any personal or explicit photos via the internet, and that people should never share personal information with strangers.

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-centreantifraude.ca/index.eng.htm