Local police are warning the public about a sextorition scam.
The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP says scammers are contacting individuals on social media and threatening to release photos of them to their friends, family and contacts unless a money is sent.
The OPP says the funds are usually requested via a money transfer or in the form of Bitcoin or gift cards.
If a scam artist contacts you or if you have been defrauded contact your local police department or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Tips to protect yourself from the OPP:
- Beware of unknown persons who attempt to communicate with you over the internet
- Never send money to the scammer
- Do not store sensitive/intimate images or information online or on your mobile device
- Use strong passwords and do not use the same password for multiple social media accounts/websites
- Ensure that security settings for social media accounts are activated and set at the highest level of protection
