Man in his 60s is victim in alleged sextortion attempt

Photographer: Bloomberg Creative Photos/Bloomberg (Bloomberg Creative Photos/Bloomberg)

Guelph Police are warning people not to share images or information with strangers online after a man became a victim in an alleged sextortion attempt.

Police said the man in his 60s was playing an online game on his phone when he received a message which appeared to be from a woman and included a revealing profile photo. They started chatting and the woman eventually asked the complainant to send a photo of himself.

“He sent a photo of his face, then a short time later received a fake Facebook post which included that photo and a photo of an exposed penis,” police said in a media release.

Police believe the post was designed to suggest the penis was the complainant’s and the unknown user threatened to share it unless he sent Apple gift cards.

Police are asking residents to be extra cautious and warn people that any information or images shared can be manipulated and used against you.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Even if no financial loss has been sustained, interactions can still be reported to the CAFC.