Guelph police are once again reminding residents to be cautious about sharing intimate photos online, after a recent uptick in extortion-related calls.
More than a dozen such incidents have been reported since the beginning of December, police report. In most cases, the victim is contacted through social media by someone unknown to them. Following conversations, which could include the stranger sending a supposed nude photo of themselves, the victim is asked to provide an intimate image.
Once that happens, the suspect threatens to share the image with the victim’s friends or family if they do not pay money. One victim lost approximately $900 before reporting the incident to police.
This is a common scam which is extremely difficult to investigate due to the technology used and that the suspects could be anywhere in the world. The Guelph Police Service recommends never sharing intimate images online, especially if you are not sure who you are sending them to.
