Investigators in the General Investigation Section of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division are warning citizens about an online extortion scam. With this particular extortion scam, the victim accepts a Facebook friend request from someone he doesn’t know; male or female. The suspect then befriends the victim and encourages them to send images or video of themselves performing a sexual act. The suspect then states that they will post the images or video online, as well as send them to the victim’s friends on social media, if they don’t give the suspect a sum of money. The suspects, who can be contacting victims from anywhere in the world, will often continue to demand money after the victim has already paid. Police want social media users to be aware of this type of extortion to prevent others from being victimized. Unfortunately, there are predators online who look to take advantage of people. Citizens should be aware that there is always a risk when sending intimate photos or videos, particularly to someone you don’t know or only know online, as you can never be sure of their motives.  Police ask anyone who has been a victim of this crime to contact police by calling 902-490-5020. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or texting a tip – Tip 202 + your message to 274637.

Source: Release