OPP warn of circulating violent text scam

The OPP are issuing warnings out to the public of a recent scam that uses intimidation tactics to scare their victims.

The OPP have fielded calls from complainants which in some cases included images of dead bodies and body parts sent directly to their phone.

This has prompted the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to issue an alert for the extortion scam, as the message threatens you and your family may be harmed if you don’t send a payment.

Warning signs and how to protect yourself:

• If you receive a violent message, report it to the OPP immediately.
• Remember that fraudsters use high-pressure intimidation tactics to try to steal your money.
• Be wary of any unsolicited messages, including those that are threatening or accusing you of owing money for a service you never had or planned to have.
• Do not reply to threatening messages.
• Do not send money under pressure.