‘Sextortion’ cases on the rise in Richmond, prompting warning from RCMP

WATCH: Richmond RCMP are warning about a growing number of online “sextortion” cases. John Daly explains how it works and how you can protect yourself.

VANCOUVER – Sextortion cases are on the rise in Richmond, prompting a warning from the RCMP.

Mounties say in these cases, the victims have been befriended online after visiting a companionship or dating website. The suspect then entices the victim to perform intimate acts, streamed over webcam or on mobile, but the victim does not know they are being secretly recorded. The suspect then threatens to release the video online unless the victim pays them.

RCMP have provided some clues about how to determine if you could be involved in this type of crime:

• Contact is made through various social companionship or dating websites, generally free ones.
• Initial contact may be fairly innocuous and may not involve an intimate component for days or weeks.
• The suspect may have a number of reasons to avoid meeting in person or will only be able to talk/chat at certain hours, usually odd hours.

“It is important for the public to be aware that this type of crime is occurring,” said Const. Quinn Provost of the Richmond RCMP Serious Crimes Unit. “At the same time, it is important that any victims have a support network available. Feelings of hopelessness and shame are common for victims of this type of crime. It is important to be able to speak to someone about the incident – whether it is a parent, partner, sibling, friend, mental health professional or crisis worker.”

Richmond RCMP has some tips if you are a victim of this type of crime:

• Contact the police immediately.
• Do not send any money to the suspect.
• Prevention is possible – abstain from being intimate online or by not sharing intimate photos online.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of this type of crime, contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. To leave a tip on this crime or any other, email Richmond_Tips@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).