Brantford police warn of extortion scam featuring videos of masked people in tactical-style gear

Two hands are illuminated by the screen of a cellphone in this undated stock image. (Jaroslav Maléř/Pexels.com)

Anyone who received a threatening text message recently may have been targeted by scammers.

The Brantford Police Service said several people reached out to them after they received text messages with threats to hurt them or their family members. Some of the messages also included pictures or video of masked people wearing tactical-style gear.

“These threats are designed to create fear and pressure victims into making immediate payments,” a Brantford Police Service news release said.

Anyone who received one of these messages is urged not to respond or send money and call police right away to report the incident.