The OPP says sextortion scams are circulating within the region, and in Ontario in general.
Scammers usually contact victims through social media and convince them to share intimate private pictures. Then they say they’ll release them to the victim’s contact is they don’t pay up. And the ransom is usually big.
The OPP says sextortion frauds can happen on any social media, dating, or online gaming site, where the context is for people to meet and communicate virtually. Young people are often targeted.
The scammers use shame, fear and confusion to get victims to pay. Often victims are to embarrassed to seek help.
The best defense is to never send private pictures to anyone you don’t know or better yet, to anyone.
If you have been a victim, there’s help. Call the OPP right away at 1-888-310-1122.
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