Police warn about 'sextortion' scam, June 2, 2022. (Photo: LNN)

By The Canadian Press

Police warn parents, teens about online ‘sextortion’ scam

Jun 2, 2022 | 1:28 PM

CALGARY, AB – Police in Calgary are warning parents, caregivers and teens about an online ‘sextortion’ scam.

Police say they have already had 48 reports this year and most have targeted teenage boys.

Sextortion is a form of blackmail in which online scammers, using a phoney profile, make a connection with potential victims and express romantic interest.

The scammer will ask for intimate photos and videos as the online conversation progresses.

Police say the scammer then demands money and threatens to share the explicit material if payment is not received.

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The service’s cybercrime team is investigating several reports.

(The Canadian Press)