OPP warn of sex blackmail scam in northeastern Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police in the northeast region say they have responded to two separate incidents involving what they call "sextortion" in the month of March one in Kapuskasing and the other in Chapleau.

Police said the scam involves the victims being lured into online relationships through social media, online dating or pornographic websites.

OPP said fake profiles are created by subjects posing as attractive women, targeting men.

As the relationship develops, a web camchat session is initiated and the victim is enticed to perform a sexual act which is recorded, police said.

OPP said the victim is then told the event was recorded, and unless money is paid, the video will be released and shared with contacts on their social media sites.

Police said there are ways to help victims protect themselves including:

• Deny requests to perform illicit acts online
• Never send money
• Report abusive activity to authorities

Police add similar scams have been reported across the province.