The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning the public of a potential scam that appears to be attempting to fraudulently extort local residents.
The Economic Crime Unit has been made aware of reports of people receiving threatening messages, demanding recipients send money through cryptocurrency.
In the messages, the scammers claim to have hacked the recipient's device, including camera and microphone, and alleges to have evidence that the recipient has been accessing illegal online material. The scammer threatens to expose the recipient unless payment is received. The message may include personal information about the recipient and has specific instructions on how to make a payment.
Residents are urged to delete the message and not send any form of payment.
The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit encourages family members and friends to speak to those who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams.
For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.