Toronto police say they are receiving an “increasing” number of reports about a scam in which suspects send their victims “graphic violent images” in an effort to extort money from them.
In a news release issued Monday, police said residents in the Toronto area have been receiving calls or text messages from American phone numbers with area codes 470 and 404.
Investigators say graphic images are sent via text message to the victim and money is demanded. If the money is not paid, the sender allegedly says, the victim will suffer “violence,” police explained.
“We would like to warn the public that this is a known scam in an attempt to extort money from the recipient,” a press release reads.
Police said reports of this scam are being made with “increasing frequency” and offered tips to avoid becoming a victim.
If you receive one of these messages or phone calls, police said you should report it immediately. Police recommended not paying money, and if your personal information was previously compromised, consider changing your passwords.
Police are asking anyone with information about the investigation to contact them at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
