Provincial police in Elgin County are reminding the public of the importance of being extremely careful with whom they share intimate photos and videos after a local resident was extorted by a woman they met online.
The incident was reported to OPP around 3:20 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to police, the resident met a woman online and the two began to "correspond." During their conservation, explicit pictures were shared with the woman.
The woman then demanded the individual give her money or the pictures would be shared on social media and with the resident's family and contacts. It was at this time the resident called the police.
"Everyone needs to realize the long- and short-term dangers when requests are made to send out sexually explicit photographs or videos," said OPP Constable Ed Sanchuk. "Those who distribute it also need to be aware of the criminal ramifications of doing so. Once it's out there, you can't get it back and you should not be embarrassed to speak to police about your concerns."
The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Police ask anyone with information to call them at 1-888-310-1122 or St. Thomas-Elgin Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
