November 3, 2022 10:59am
Another local “sextortion” scam has affected a Perth County resident.
Perth County OPP are investigating after an adult resident of West Perth was recently chatting with an unknown person on a social media app. The victim sent the suspect an intimate picture. The suspect then threatened to distribute the intimate image of the victim publicly online if the victim did not send $1,000. The victim contacted police immediately, and no money was lost. Police are urging everyone to follow safe internet practices and not send intimate images or videos to anyone online, especially someone you don’t know.
Police say 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
