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Local intended target in cyber extortion incident
An Elk Valley resident was an intended victim in a recently failed cyber extortion incident.
On January 19, RCMP received a call from a concerned complainant who had (almost) been the victim of a cyber extortion attempt within the detachment area, reported S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Elk Valley RCMP Detachment commander.
The complainant had been using a well-known social media platform and had been contacted by an unknown person who wanted to talk to him.
“The victim used a test conversation to check on the validity of the person and they appeared genuine. Further conversation turned romantic and the unknown person sent explicit images to him, at which point the victim sent non-nude photos back, but eventually he downloaded some not of himself off the internet and sent those to this unknown person,” S/Sgt. Nielsen explained.
“The person immediately sent back a collage of those explicit photos and stated they would send them to all his contacts and allege a criminal offence if he did not send money.”
The complainant did not send money and then called police.
“Never send nude photographs over any social media platform. If this happens to you, stop responding to the person, save the messages and their photos (if any), block their account, contact the corresponding social media company regarding the incident and then contact police,” S/Sgt. Nielsen advised.
“Once blocked, the majority of these events stop for most people. However, it is important to speak with police about these matters in case they continue. Police note it can be embarrassing to report these incidents but please understand we unfortunately do see these on a regular basis.”
The investigation is concluded at this time.
e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
