Protecting yourself from sextortion

Coquitlam

2025-03-25 09:30 PDT

The Coquitlam RCMP are warning the public of a harmful online sextortion scheme targeting youths.

The Coquitlam RCMP have recently investigated a number of files where youths were targeted online, manipulated into sharing intimate photos, and then extorted for various sums of money.

Sextortion can involve both youth and adults. It frequently involves a stranger befriending the victim online before convincing them to send intimate photos. Often, the suspect may pose as a particular gender or age aimed at building trust with the victim. The suspect may initiate the sharing of explicit photos as a pressure tactic to encourage the victim to share theirs. If photos are sent by the victim, the suspect will immediately extort the victim for money, videos, or more images in exchange for not disclosing the initial intimate photos to the friends and family of the victim.

The resulting fear, shame and confusion that sets in can be devastating for the victim, said Media Relations Officer, Acting Sergeant John Graham of the Coquitlam RCMP. Complying doesn’t ensure the privacy and safety of the victim, nor will it guarantee that the criminal action will stop. It can be particularly scary for the victim, as these criminals can be anywhere in the world.

Coquitlam RCMP encourages parents and caregivers to talk openly with youth about online activities, the possible risks, and how to protect themselves.

Prevention tip conversations for parents and guardians:

• Be aware of which apps and websites are being used by your youth, and who they are befriending online;
• Warn your youth about these types of extortions and the dangers of communicating with strangers online;
• Remind your youth to never answer messages or accept friend/follow requests from people they don’t know;
• Advise your youth to not send photos of any kind to people they don’t know;
• Always answer video calls with the camera turned off until you know who the person calling is;

There are also a number of resources available to assist parents, guardians, and youth to navigate the digital world safely:

• Internet safety tips for parents
• Get Cyber Safe
• Sextortion

If you have been a victim of sextortion, you can:

• File a report with the Coquitlam RCMP at the non-emergency number of 604-945-1550, or call 911 if there is immediate danger;
• Submit a report using Cybertip.ca;
• If the image/video is online, you can visit needhelpnow.ca for steps that can have images taken off the internet on your own.

Don’t suffer alone. Please do not hesitate to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550. Call 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger. Regardless of the crime, victims are always supported and treated with courtesy and respect.

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Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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