Strathcona RCMP warns of blackmail, Bitcoin extortion scam
Posted September 18, 2024 11:20 am.
Last Updated September 18, 2024 11:23 am.
The Strathcona County RCMP is warning residents about an ongoing extortion scam.
In the scam, perpetrators claim to have compromising pictures of the victim, and ask victims to send money to a Bitcoin wallet or the pictures will be sent to their contact list.
According to RCMP, the suspects send emails to victims stating that they are looking at adult content online, and that malware has captured compromising photos of the victims.
The suspect then provides a photo of the victim’s house as proof that they know where the victim lives. The suspect then demands a $2,000 payment to be made immediately to them via Bitcoin wallet or they will release the photos to the victim’s contact list.
The RCMP in a news release Wednesday, advised residents to be cautious of their online browsing. “To avoid falling victim to these scams, cover up your computer camera and contact Google Maps and apply to have your home addressed blurred out.”
RCMP has also asked members of the community to report the scam to the local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
