Bitcoin extortion scam on the rise

Langley RCMP is warning residents about an ongoing extortion scam after receiving twelve similar reports in the month of September.

The alleged suspects contact victims via email claiming to have acquired compromising photographs and personal data of the victims. They further direct the victims to send money to a Bitcoin wallet or risk having personal data and photographs being shared to their friends and family.

There have been numerous incidents where the suspects provide a photograph of the victim’s house obtained from open internet sources as proof that they possess personal details of the victims.

In all of these incidents, the victims did not comply with the demands of the perpetrators. Residents are being reminded to recognize this scam and to report such incidents to the Police immediately, said Corporal Zynal Sharoom of the Langley RCMP.

Here are some tips to protect yourself online:

• Be extremely cautious if you receive unsolicited communication over email, by phone, pop-up ads, videos on the internet, or direct messages on social media.
• Never give out your personal information.
• Do not open email, files, or links from people you do not know and trust.
• Always verify that the organization you’re dealing with is legitimate before you take any action.

For further information pertaining to online Bitcoin scams, please visit BC RCMP - Bitcoin and gift card scams.