A Goderich man almost became a victim of a sextortion scam.
The 45-year-old man was targeted for $10,000 but notified Huron County OPP last week before any money was sent.
The sextortion scam on social media has targeted thousands of individuals across Canada, including several in Huron County.
It usually involves a male victim who accepts an unsolicited friend request on Facebook or another online social media platform.
The scammer then asks the victim to communicate via video chat. The victim is often asked to engage in some sort of online sexual act or to send nude photos of themselves.
Later, the perpetrator threatens to send the video or pictures to the victim's social media contacts or post on YouTube if the victim does not send money.
Huron County OPP reminds all residents to be extremely cautious when meeting anyone over the internet.
Don't accept 'friend' requests or followers from unknown sources. Additionally, once you send photos and videos, you lose control of them and they can be used against you. Protect yourself and think before you click or send a 'pic'.
If someone starts demanding payment and threatens you regarding photos or videos, block them from all social media, take a screenshot of messages they have sent you, and contact police.
If you are a victim of the sextortion scam call police at 1-888-310-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501.