Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant Against Online Blackmail Attempts

THUNDER BAY – March 2025 – The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is warning the public about an extortion scam targeting local residents.

Police have received multiple reports of individuals receiving messages threatening to release explicit images or videos unless a payment is made.

However, these scammers do not possess any real content—they rely on fear and deception to pressure victims into paying.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters claim to have compromising material and demand payment in:
🔹 Gift cards
🔹 E-transfers
🔹 Cryptocurrency

These scammers are often operating outside of Canada, making it difficult to track them down.

What You Should Do

🚫 Do NOT respond to the messages.
🚫 Do NOT send any payments—the threats are fake.
🔍 Warn friends and family—especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams.

The Thunder Bay Police Economic Crime Unit is urging residents to stay informed and report suspicious activity.

Tips on How to Protect Yourself from Sextortion

Sextortion scams prey on fear and embarrassment, but awareness and proactive measures can help you avoid becoming a victim. First, be cautious about what you share online, especially with strangers or on social media platforms. Scammers often create fake profiles to lure people into sending explicit content, which they later use as leverage.

Never share intimate images or personal information with someone you don’t fully trust, and consider adjusting your privacy settings to restrict who can see your posts and personal details.

Second, be skeptical of unexpected messages or friend requests, particularly from unfamiliar accounts. If someone pressures you to send explicit content, stop communicating immediately.

Scammers often use psychological manipulation to create urgency, making victims feel trapped. If you receive a blackmail threat claiming to have compromising images, do not engage, respond, or pay any money—these scammers often make false claims and rarely have real material. Instead, take screenshots, block the sender, and report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as your local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Finally, practice strong cybersecurity habits to protect yourself from online threats. Use unique and complex passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts, and be cautious of phishing links that might give scammers access to your device or private files. If you’re ever in doubt about an online interaction, talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, or law enforcement. Education is key—the more people know about sextortion tactics, the less power scammers have. If you suspect you are being targeted, seek help immediately and remember: you are not alone, and there are resources available to support you.

March is Fraud Prevention Month

For more details on common scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
🔗 https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

To report fraud or cybercrime to Thunder Bay Police, file a report online:
🔗 https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime

Stay alert. Stay informed. Don’t fall victim to scams.