RCMP warn that sextortion is on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic

Photo: CTV News

RCMP are warning the general public to be on the lookout for so-called 'sextortion' scams making the rounds.

Police say even in a global pandemic, romance scammers are alive and well and all over the internet.

"It’s important to remember to keep yourself and your privacy safe," according to RCMP media relations officer, Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy.

One of the more common sextortion scams being reported to police goes something like this. You receive an unsolicited friend request or contact on social media, and an online relationship develops. As the relationship builds, you are encouraged to send explicit photographs or video of yourself. Later, you’re contacted and told that the photograph or video will be sent to your loved ones, or posted online unless you pay money to the extorter.

RCMP have released a series of tips to prevent sextortion, including:

• Do not accept friend requests from strangers on social media
• Disable your webcam when you are not using it
• Do not share explicit photographs or videos with anyone

If you have been a victim of sextortion police advise:

1. Stop communicating with the individual immediately
2. Save all correspondence
3. Report the matter to your local police

"It’s also very important to have conversations about internet safety with your children," says Noseworthy, adding it's important children know how to keep themselves safe online, and to report threatening or sexually suggestive behaviour to a trusted adult immediately.