Coquitlam RCMP warn of increased blackmail, Bitcoin extortion scam

Coquitlam, Public Alert

2024-09-26 08:58 PDT

File # 2024-24856

Coquitlam RCMP are warning the public about an ongoing extortion scam after receiving over 18 reports in a week.

In the scam, the perpetrators contact the victims via e-mail claiming to have acquired compromising pictures, videos and personal information of the victim. They direct the victims to send money to a Bitcoin wallet or risk having the personal information and photographs sent to their friends and family.

To further perpetuate the scam, the perpetrators provide a photograph of the victim’s house, which can be easily located through open-internet queries, as proof that they possess the personal details of the victim.

This scam can appear convincing as the perpetrators have contacted the victim’s directly and provided open-source personal information to further perpetuate the scam, said Media Relations Officer, Corporal Alexa Hodgins. We want to remind the public to remain cognizant of these types of scams and to report incidents to the Police immediately.

To learn more about frauds and scams, visit: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

In all of the reported incidents, none of the victim’s have provided money to the perpetrators, said Corporal Alexa Hodgins. We also want to remind the public that it’s not their fault if they are targeted or fall victim to these scams. The perpetrators can be highly convincing, using tactics that are enticing, pressuring and threatening in nature.

Protect yourself on the internet:

• Do not give out personal information or information about your computer.
• Do not open email, files, or links from people you do not know and trust.
• Be very mindful in sharing information on Personal Accounts or Websites

For further tips, visit: BC RCMP Bitcoin and gift card scams

If you are a victim of an extortion:

• Immediately stop all communication. Deactivate (but don’t delete) any of the accounts you are using to communicate with the individual.
• Do not comply with the threat. Do not send money or additional photographs or personal information as it will make the situation worse.
• If you have sent money, check to see if it has been collected and, if not, quickly cancel the payment.
• Make a police report.
• Keep the correspondence. Keep information such as the person’s username(s), social media account information, a copy of the communications, along with any images and/or videos that were sent.
• Talk to a trusted adult or counsellor.

Anyone wanting to report crime to Coquitlam RCMP which occurred within Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam and the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation can be done by phone, in person or online. To learn more, visit: Reporting Crime to Coquitlam RCMP.

Released by:

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: coquitlam.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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