Internet extortion is one of the most common computer scams. The term sextortion refers to extortion or blackmail attempts involving the use of sexual images or videos, sometimes taken without the victim's knowledge. Scammers will threaten to publish images of the victim in order to obtain a favour or money from the victim.

The following one-minute video (in French only) illustrates the ploy in which several Gatineau residents have been victims of over the years:

Seduction to extorsion

The modus operandi is the same for the majority of complaints lodged with our Police Service. After receiving a friend request or invitation to chat through popular social media or dating sites, the conversation is mutually agreed upon and switched to video.

The seduction then continues via video, eventually leading to nudity and sexual acts. Unfortunately, the intimate actions are recorded without the victim's knowledge and are then used to demand money.

Threats made by scammers

Online predators are creative and imaginative in finding new victims, inventing plausible and well-crafted scenarios to manipulate them.

Examples of threats used to extort money from a victim include:

• Sending a compromising video or images to the victim's family and friends using social media;
• Uploading compromising files to the Internet, sometimes with titles implying that the victim has committed pedophilia;
• Reporting to the police that the victim has committed these sexual acts in front of children;
• Using fake letters from Interpol, the national police of Côte d'Ivoire or other police organizations.

Prevention tips

• Never make intimate or compromising gestures on the Internet with someone you don't know or have never met, even when you think the conversation is private.
• Be extra careful when exchanging photos or using your webcam: all files could end up on the Internet or in the wrong hands.
• Be very careful if you agree to have a conversation or chat with someone you don't know: beware of nice promises or a rapid change in privacy!
• Make sure you cover your webcam when it is not in use (e.g. by applying a light adhesive) to protect your privacy from potential hackers who can monitor your camera remotely.
• Turn off your computer when you are not using it.
• Install anti-virus software on your computers and update it regularly: remember that software does not protect you from intrusion or from your own actions.
• Do not give out any personal information to anyone you do not know: address, date of birth, bank details, etc.
• Never send money, bank or credit card details to someone you don't know and trust.
• If you receive threats of extortion, do not hesitate, contact the SPVG immediately at 819 246-0222 or your local police department.

Frequently asked questions

Relevant links

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
• Get Cybersafe
• Top 10 Cyber Crime Prevention Tips (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)