Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington shared an advisory from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre this morning after reporters were received from victims who had been convinced to perform intimate acts infront of their device’s camera and threatened to release images or video unless paid.
Based on reports, the Centre says victims were lured into online relationships through social media or dating websites.
They may be asked to share photos.
Eventually they advise fraudsters will threaten to release the explicit material unless a sum of money is paid.
The Anti Fraud Centre advises recognizing that live streaming can be recorded and pre-recorded video can be live streamed.
They say to familiarize yourself with social media privacy settings and consider limiting who has access to your personal information.
They also say unless you know someone offline, there is no way to confirm who is on the other end.
They end by saying never send money to someone you have never met.
