RCMP warn of rise in ‘sextortion’ cases

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RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – Mounties in Richmond are worried about what you — and others — are up to on the Internet.

They say there’s been a spike in “sextortion” cases where people perform sexual acts online and a suspect secretly records it. The suspect then threatens to release the video unless they’re paid a sum of money.

Investigators say victims are usually befriended on social or dating websites. They warn the relationship may start out innocent and stay that way for days or weeks. The suspect often has a lot of excuses for avoiding meeting in person.

If you are a victim of this kind of crime, you’re urged to call the police right away. They do not recommend sending the suspect money.

They add you can help prevent these crimes by not being intimate online and not sharing intimate photos.

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