RCMP are advising the public about a concerning trend of extortion using social media. Police say in a number of cases the victims received friend requests on social media or through a dating site, then the contact moves to direct messaging.

The victims have sent a nude image, and then the suspect makes demands that money be sent or their nude picture will be sent out to all of their contacts, friends and family. RCMP report that it is common for offenders to follow a victim’s friends and family on social media platforms as a way to demonstrate they can follow through on threats.

Prevention tips include not accepting friend requests from people you don’t know and not sending nude pictures. The police suggest if this happens, stop all communication with the suspect, do not comply, and instead report it to your local police. Also, keep the correspondence.

For more information on how to protect yourself:

www.dontgetsextorted.ca
www.needhelpnow.ca
www.cybertip.ca/sextortion