Police warn of extortion scam targeting people using escort services and dating sites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 19, 2022 9:15 am

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service is warning the public of an active scam targeting people contacting escort services and dating sites.

In the last month, the number of reports to police involving extortion or threats has doubled.

Here’s how it works: A person contacts an escort service or dating website. During the course of communicating, the victim is asked for a masturbation video. Once received, the suspect threatens to expose the video to the victim’s friends or relatives unless bitcoin or cash is paid. If they don’t pay, victims receive threatening phone calls or videos stating the victim and family will be killed if payment isn’t made.

“Beware, the person you think you are conversing with may not be who they say they are,” says Sgt. Robert Mills, Case manager for the Central Investigations Section. “And all the while, they’re gathering personal information about you.”

Sgt. Mills says this is an International scam. “The chance of finding the suspects is low. That’s why we are warning people so we can prevent this from happening in the first place.”

Here’s how you can protect yourself:

• Set your privacy controls on all social media platforms to the highest security setting;
• Don’t provide images or photos of yourself;
• Don’t move your conversation to a platform where your contacts can be accessed.

If you do receive a threat:

• Stop all communication with the extortionist;
• Report it to your local police service;
• Make a report through Cybertip.ca. 

“They are counting on victims to be too embarrassed to come forward,” says Sgt. Mills. “You will not be judged. Police involvement may be enough to make them back off, or your report may help us find the individual(s) responsible and stop them from victimizing others.”

For more tips how to protect yourself online, go to ottawapolice.ca.

CONTACT:  Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366