Man charged in alleged 'elaborate' Internet scheme to get women to become escorts

An OPP cruiser is seen in this undated photo.

LINDSAY, Ont. -- A 56-year-old man, who allegedly claimed to be a former police officer, is facing charges in an Internet exploitation investigation.

Kawartha Lakes police say they launched the investigation late last month after police in Collingwood, Ont., were approached by a woman with allegations of offences originating in Lindsay, Ont.

Investigators say they found numerous fraudulent social media and dating site accounts and are looking into the possibility that those accounts were used as part of an "elaborate scheme" to convince women to become escorts.

Police say the alleged victims reported that the man posed as a retired peace officer to add credibility to his ploy and convince them that what they were doing was legal.

They say a Lindsay-area man is facing charges that include personating a peace officer, publication of an intimate image without consent, criminal harassment, identity theft, and counselling to commit an indictable offence.

Investigators say they believe there could be other alleged victims, and are urging anyone with concerns to come forward.