Campbell River RCMP warn of 'internet extortion scheme' circulating in community
Campbell River RCMP are notifying community members of a new internet extortion scheme that has affected multiple people in the community.
Mounties say the scam begins with an attractive person contacting the victim on Facebook or a similar website.
The "attractive individual" tells the victim that they have mutual friends and then requests to have a video chat as the conversation progresses, according to RCMP.
"They claim their audio is broken so they type with the victim and then start to take off their clothes and sexually gratify themselves, when they do this, they request the victim does the same," Mounties said in a release Tuesday.
Unbeknownst to the victim, the scammer is allegedly recording the video conversation, and soon after the victim disrobes the scammer tells them that they are being recorded and demands money or else the video will be released to all of the victim's social media contacts.
"Much like a lot of the telephone scams that people are aware of, the scammers use a high-pressure sales tactics to get people to send money quickly before being able to think about it," said Mounties Tuesday.
Campbell River RCMP have released several tips on how to protect yourself from internet scams and extortion. The detachment adds that many internet scammers operate outside of police jurisdiction, so prevention is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself.
In this instance, RCMP believe that the scam may have originated in eastern Europe, based on the reports they've received.
The internet protection tips released by Campbell River RCMP can be found below:
- First and foremost, don't get naked on the internet, your internet data is forever;
- If you choose to get naked on the internet, confirm you know who you are dealing with;
- Most scam accounts haven't been around that long and have few actual friends;
- If you believe you are being scammed, immediately cut contact with the scammer;
- Report the scammer's profile to the site provider (eg.. Facebook);
- You may wish to close your account down (no account, no friends list to send video to)
- Do not send money, these individuals are playing a bulk game, typically if they can't get anything they move on.
"In modern times, how you portray yourself on the internet can have serious effects on your life," said Const. Maury Tyre with Campbell River RCMP.
"Before you hit send, or venture onto a site, it may be worthwhile to think WWGT (What would grandma think?)," said Tyre. "If she would be horrified, then maybe don't talk or act that way on the internet or at all, it could save you a great deal of trouble in the long run."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.