AUG 18 - OPP WARN OF SEXTORTION SCAM SURFACING IN AREA

FROM/DE: Upper Ottawa Valley OPP DATE: August 18, 2020

OPP WARN OF SEXTORTION SCAM SURFACING IN AREA

(PEMBROKE, ON) – The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to warn the public of a sextortion scam that has recently resurfaced in the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment area. The recent extortion attempts involve the scammers contacting the target on social media and threatening to release intimate photos of them to their friends, family and contacts unless the target pays them a sum of money. The scammer often requests the funds be sent via a money transfer service or in the form of Bitcoin or gift cards.

How can you protect yourself?

Beware of unknown persons who attempt to communicate with you over the internet
Never send money to the scammer
Do not store sensitive/intimate images or information online or on your mobile device
Use strong passwords and do not use the same password for multiple social media accounts/websites
Ensure that security settings for social media accounts are activated and set at the highest level of protection

If a scam artist contacts you or if you have been defrauded contact your local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit their website at www.antifraudcentre.ca