Huron County Ontario OPP officers are investigating a recent "Sextortion" case involving a 20-year-old Huron County man who lost about $8,000.
The victim met someone he was interested in getting to know on a popular online dating app soon after sent a nude photo of himself to the person. Once the photo was received the scammer contacted the victim and threatened him that his picture would be sent to all of his work colleagues, friends and family if he didn't pay up.
The scammer was able to gain access to some his work colleagues through a social media site and the photo was sent to some of his colleagues. Fearing the photo would be sent to others, the victim sent $8,000 worth of electronic money transfers over a 5-month period to the scammer. Investigators believe the funds were sent to Asia.
Police warn the public to really think twice about sending that video or image to that stranger on the other side of the screen that wants to see all of you.
"Sextortion", as it is commonly referred to, is where people engage in sexually explicit conversations or "video chats" and one of the people involved, threatens the other that they will share the sexually explicit videos or images with the other parties family and friends unless they receive money. These scammers are using fake profiles on social media and dating websites to lure you into a relationship and coerce you into performing sexual acts on camera.
There is always a risk in sharing any personal or sexually explicit images over the internet. Think twice before you send or post anything. Before you hit "send" remember that you cannot control where this image or video may travel.
If someone starts demanding payment and threatening you regarding photos or videos, never pay the money, block them from all social media, screen shot messages they have sent you and immediately 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
