The South Simcoe Police Service has received multiple reports of an email extortion scam and is warning the public to be aware.
"In this scam, an extortion email claims that the recipient has visited explicit websites, and it alleges that malware has captured compromising photos and videos of them," officers wrote in a release on Tuesday.
"The suspect threatens to release the history and/or footage unless a bitcoin payment is made. Along with the threatening message, a screenshot of a Google map street view showing the victim’s residence and other personal information, such as their name and phone number, are included as proof of their knowledge about the victim's identity.
"They then demand immediate payment to a Bitcoin payment account, threatening to release the compromising material to the victim's family and friends if the demand is not met."
A copy of the email extortion scam / via the South Simcoe Police Service:
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South Simcoe police advise the public to exercise caution to avoid falling victim to this scam, and to report scams through their online reporting portal.
To help prevent being a victim, members of the public are encouraged to:
- Protect your personal information and be mindful of what information is posted online.
Scammers can use details shared on social media platforms and dating sites for
targeting purposes - Keep your online passwords more secure by using a password generator, setting up two-factor authentication, and using a password manager
- Avoid engaging with or replying to these types of phishing scams
If you have been a victim of a scam and suffered a financial loss, report the incident online at www.southsimcoepolice.on.ca/online-reporting/ or contact the South Simcoe Police Service at (905) 775-3311 or (705) 436-2141.
Police say if you received one of these emails but did not experience a financial loss, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
