By Shaun Penner

Grande Prairie RCMP

Grande Prairie RCMP investigating online “sextortion” incidents

Dec 11, 2020 | 3:07 PM

The Grande Prairie RCMP say they are investigating three separate reports of “sextortion” that they have received since the beginning of December, two of which involve minors.

According to a release issued by the RCMP Friday, sextortion is defined as a form of exploitation that involves the threat of releasing shared intimate videos, images, or explicit messages online, where the perpetrator demands payment to avoid having those explicit materials shared online.

They add victims are typically lured into these online relationships through social media.

“As the relationship builds, victims are coerced into performing a sexual act on camera or taking intimate photographs. The victim is later advised that the event was recorded and to pay a fee or the video or photo will be released publicly,” reads a statement from the RCMP.

“In some cases, the victim might be asked to send more explicit images.”

Now, the Grande Prairie RCMP are hoping parents can use these circumstances as an opportunity to speak with their teens about the personal and legal consequences of sharing intimate images.

“Sharing intimate images is never a good idea, as it leaves you vulnerable to being exploited. It may also be an offence depending on the circumstances, especially when young persons are involved.”

Some suggestions offered by the RCMP on how to protect yourself from these types of situations include:

• Don’t accept ‘friend’ requests from strangers
• Do not engage in online chats with people you don’t know
• Carefully consider who you are sharing explicit videos and photographs with
• Deny any requests to perform an illicit act over the internet
• If you get such requests, stop all forms of communication with the individual
• Don’t comply with any threats
• Disable your webcam or any other camera connected to the internet when you are not using it. Hackers are able to obtain remote access and record
• Consider using public profile photos that do not fully identify you
• Take further steps to improve the security of your social media profiles. Keep your friends list private and ensure your profile and photo albums are not open to the public.

Anyone who believes thy are a victim of sextortion should report it to the Grande Prairie RCMP or their local police detachment.

Information regarding a minor whose intimate pictures or videos have been shared can be directed to needhelpnow.ca or Cybertip.ca.