Key points:
- York Regional Police (YRP) are alerting the public of an email-based Bitcoin sextortion scam in the Greater Toronto Area.
- Scammers claim to have compromising images of victims, demanding Bitcoin payments.
- Fraudsters use personal data, often obtained in data breaches, to appear credible.
- Authorities are urging victims to ignore the scam, update their passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
York Regional Police (YRP) have issued a public warning regarding a recent surge in sextortion scams targeting individuals in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This scam, which uses email as its primary method, demands Bitcoin payments in exchange for not disclosing allegedly compromising images or videos from victims.
The scam begins with an email from an unknown sender who claims to control the victim’s computer or cell phone. The message often claims that they secretly recorded the person during private moments, threatening to send the images to the victim’s contacts if they do not transfer funds to a Bitcoin wallet.
YRP Reports that in some cases, fraudsters boost their credibility by including personal information, such as old passwords, which may have been acquired in previous data breaches. These tactics aim to increase fear and induce victims to comply with demands.
YRP shared an example of one of these scam emails. Photo: YRP.
Police urge public to remain vigilant and secure their accounts
Similar scams have also been reported in Peel Region and Hamilton, widening the scope of law enforcement concerns. YRP shared an example of a fraudulent email, in which the scammer warned, “You have no idea what I’m capable of in Richmond Hill” and insisted on payment in Bitcoin, reinforcing the urgency with threats.
Bitcoin, a decentralized cryptocurrency, is often favored by scammers due to its anonymous nature. It allows users to send and receive funds without going through traditional banking systems, making it difficult to trace transactions. Although many people buy Bitcoin as an investment, its volatility and lack of oversight also make it attractive for illicit activity.
York Regional Police are advising residents to remain cautious when receiving suspicious emails or messages. They recommend not participating in the scam, refusing to make any payments, and taking immediate action to secure their accounts. This includes changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and running antivirus software to ensure no malware is present on the device.
Authorities also encourage victims to report any such incidents to the police and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
This growing trend highlights the importance of cybersecurity awareness, and YRP continues its efforts to educate the public about the risks posed by online scams.
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