Ontario Provincial Police are reminding the public to think twice before taking and sharing intimate photos and videos online.
The advisory comes as they investigate a “sextortion” scam, which police say is when someone threatens to share a sexually explicit image or video with the victim's family and friends unless they pay an undisclosed amount of money.
In a recent case being investigated in Perth County, OPP say the victim shared a video with the suspect through a popular social media platform.
“Upon sharing the video, the victim began receiving messages demanding money or the video would be shared,” OPP described in a news release.
“A single payment was made to the unknown individual. A second payment request was demanded at which time police were notified of the fraud.”
Police say there’s always a risk when sharing intimate images or videos, because once you hit send, you no longer have control over that content.
For anyone who finds themselves in a sextortion situation, police say don’t pay the money. Instead they recommend screenshotting the messages and usernames, blocking the accounts on social media and contacting police.
“If you find yourself in this situation, know that you are not alone,” OPP added. “It is estimated that only 5-10% of frauds are reported, often due to embarrassment associated with being tricked or defrauded.”
More information on current fraud trends can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center website.
The OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
