The public is being alerted by the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police about a blackmail sex scam linked to social media platforms including dating websites and Instagram.
Through social media, dating websites or pornographic websites, victims of sextortion are coerced into an online relationship. As the rapport grows, victims are urged to use the computer’s camera, and the con artist will eventually force the victim to commit a sexual act on video.
Victims are informed that they were caught on camera and that the footage will either be made public or distributed to their pals if they don’t pay up. Although it may seem apparent, authorities advised against performing any illegal acts online and that the best way to stay safe is to “deny any invitations to do so.”
Police advise that when not in use, turn off your webcam or any other internet-connected camera.
To report an incident, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 .
Victims of fraud may also contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or local police department.
