RCMP are warning internet users in Campbell River of an online extortion scam involving social media and explicit nudity.
Campbell River RCMP say that the scam likely involves a call centre in Eastern Europe luring users in with what appears to be an attractive individual. This fake person sends victims a friend request, claiming to have mutual friends, often on Facebook.
If accepted, the extortion scam proceeds with the fake person claiming their audio doesn’t work. A recording then plays of a person sexually gratifying themselves.
When they do this, they request the victim do the same.
If the victim disrobes, the scammer will send threats to them, saying they are being recorded and footage will be released unless money is sent.
Campbell River RCMP say this is akin to high-pressure sales tactics that get people to send money quickly before processing what is going on. RCMP have a few tips to recognize a scam of this nature:
- 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.
- Be aware of who you are sharing your sensitive information with.
“It’s important for people to remember, many internet criminals operate outside of the boundaries of law enforcement and as such a great deal of the work regarding internet crimes is prevention,” said Cst. Maury Tyre of the Campbell River RCMP.
If you have been a victim of fraud or extortion, contact Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.
