North Okanagan RCMP dealing with high number of 'sextortion' cases
There have been 14 cases of “sextortion” reported to the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP so far this year. “Particularly concerning, is that a large percentage of these reported cases involve teenagers and police are asking for help from parents and caregivers, encouraging them to talk...
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There have been 14 cases of “sextortion” reported to the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP so far this year.
“Particularly concerning, is that a large percentage of these reported cases involve teenagers and police are asking for help from parents and caregivers, encouraging them to talk to their kids about the dangers of sextortion and the potential consequences of their online behaviour,” states an RCMP news release.
“Our teens need to know that it is never a good idea to share intimate images or videos online. We understand for some parents it may be difficult discussing these topics with their kids but it’s necessary. Remember, it may be uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier.”
The sextortion typically starts with a victim being contacted on social media platforms like Snapchat or Instagram.
A fake account is used and the victim is lured into sending sexual images or performing a sexual act that is secretly record.
“Shortly after, the fraudster threatens to share the images if the victim doesn’t pay or provide more sexual content,” Const. Ashley Fast of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Special Victim’s Unit, said in the news release.
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Children can help protect themselves by thinking before they post because the information is sent instantly and is permanent, Const. Fast advises.
Other tips include not accepting friend requests from unknown people, don’t share intimate images, use privacy settings and trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
Parents are advised to put electronic devices in family areas, be open about online behaviour, talk about it regularly and to watch children’s online behaviour from a young age.
Victims are advised to stop communicating with their exploiter right away, not to send money or more images, to save existing correspondence and call the police.
“Social media is a large part of our teens’ lives and by teaching them to act responsibly and establishing good online habits at a young age, we can help protect them from sextortion or other forms of exploitation,” Const. Fast said in the release. “If it does happen, they know to go to a safe, trusted adult, to know there are resources available to help them, and that they are not alone.”
Resources and additional information on ways to keep your teens safe online can be found by visiting www.needhelpnow.ca or www.cybertip.ca.
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