From January to June, Saskatchewan RCMP received 105 reports of extortion. That’s compared to 36 reports during the same time period last year, a nearly 200 per cent increase.

Police say the majority are in the ‘sextortion’ category where a victim meets someone online, which may then move to other methods of communicating like texting or chat sites. The suspect persuades the victim to send a nude picture or video, and then threatens to send it to the victim’s contacts or post it publicly unless they are paid. Even if the victim didn’t send a picture, the scammers may alter one to make it look like they did.

Another scam involves a victim being told their computer or phone have been hacked and their online activities are being hacked. The scammer threatens to send details to contacts or post it online unless payment is made, and even if the victim’s online activity isn’t compromising, the suspect will threaten to make it look like they have.

Advice from the RCMP is to be aware that you never really know who you are talking to online. Don’t send intimate photos or videos because if they are posted online, you lose control of them. And thirdly, monitor your child’s online activity and frequently talk to them about online safety.

If you are a victim:
– Immediately stop talking to the suspect.
– Deactivate (don’t delete) any social media accounts you are using to communicate with them.
– Keep any record of conversations with the suspect.
– Don’t send money or gift cards.
– Contact police.

For more information on sextortion, click here.