NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE
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South Simcoe Police are warning the public to be aware of an ongoing email extortion scam after receiving multiple reports.
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. 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.
South Simcoe Police urge the public to exercise caution to avoid falling victim to this scam and to report scams through our online reporting portal.
To help prevent being a victim of this type of scam, members of the public are encouraged to:
If you have been a victim of a scam and suffered a financial loss, please report the incident online at www.southsimcoepolice.on.ca/online-reporting/ or contact South Simcoe Police at 905-775-3311 or 705-436-2141. If you received one of these emails but did not experience a financial loss, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.
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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.
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Keep your online passwords more secure by using a password generator, setting up two- factor authentication, and using a password manager.
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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, please report the incident online or contact South Simcoe Police at (905) 775-3311 or (705) 436-2141. If you received one of these emails but did not experience a financial loss, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online.
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