Lambton OPP are reminding the public to think twice about taking and sharing intimate photos and videos online.
Police were called for the report of a sextortion scam just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, August 6.
Cst. Jeff Hare said a victim in St. Clair Township entered into a brief relationship with an individual online after receiving a 'follow' request on a popular social media platform.
"At which time intimate images were taken and shared," said Hare. "Upon sharing these images, the unknown individual began demanding money from the victim."
Cst. Hare said the victim did send one payment, but contacted police when a second demand for money was made.
"Sextortion is just like blackmail, it's a form of extortion," said Hare. "It's where an individual threatens the other that they will share sexually explicit images or video with the victims family or friends unless they pay an undisclosed amount of money. And, what we're seeing is this happening usually in the teenage population, but we do see it throughout our population as well, and it's mostly with male victims."
Hare said if someone demands payment and/or threatens to share your photos or videos, never pay the money.
Instead, screenshot their messages and usernames, block them from social media and contact police immediately.
"The important thing to know is that if you find yourself in this situation, you're not alone," said Cst. Hare. "We're finding more and more people are becoming victims of fraud. Fraudsters are very well versed in social media and they're very technically savvy. We do find that it's a billion dollar industry and only five to ten per cent of frauds are reported."
For more information or if you are victimized, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
