Red Deer RCMP call for vigilance re: sextortion through social media platforms, dating apps

Don’t become a victim of online sexual extortion, Red Deer RCMP warn.

Instead, they say, “Stay informed and educated.”

Mounties in the central Alberta city say social media platforms and dating apps are common places where such predators lurk.

In a release issued Tuesday, RCMP reminded that “online activities can have real-life consequences.”

“Sextortion” is blackmail focused on the threat of distributing intimate pictures or videos of the victim, Mounties note.

And they say the demand could be for money or for more intimate media.

RCMP suggest young internet users:

• limit the sharing of personal information;
• enable privacy settings;
• turn off location services;
• be cautious of friend requests; and
• don’t share images you wouldn’t want to be made public.

RCMP suggest parents:

• encourage discussion with their children about life online;
• establish clear rules about their children’s time online; and
• use parental control/age restriction software.

Information regarding incidents of sextortion can be reported to the Red Deer RCMP by calling 403-406-2200.

Those preferring to remain anonymous can report such incidents to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.