The Regina Police Service has received two reports in recent weeks of people who have been extorted online.
In both cases, the victims were contacted by a stranger online, requesting to be a Facebook friend.
In a private message, the victim was asked to begin a video chat or image sharing on a different social media platform, and then when that happened, it’s alleged the conversation turned sexual and the victims were encouraged to expose themselves online.
Then, the stranger reveals the encounter was recorded and would be shared with the victim’s family and friends and posted on social media if they don’t pay.
In both cases, money was transferred before the victims reporting the extortion to police.
The Regina Police Service advises that this can happen to anyone.
To protect yourself, pay attention to red flags, trust your intuition, be wary of sending nude pictures or live streaming sexual activities, stop suspicious communication and block their profile, tell someone you trust and don’t send money to strangers.