RCMP issue warning about social media extortion scam targeting Kings County girls

After investigating several complaints, the RCMP is warning the public about a social media extortion scam that is targeting girls in Kings County.

The Kings District RCMP responded to a complaint involving multiple social media accounts earlier this week. The preliminary investigation has revealed that someone gained access to the social media accounts of several girls.

In order to regain control of their accounts, demands were made for provocative photos and-or videos or the log-in information for the social media accounts of friends. If the victim did not comply, the scammer threatened to send out explicit content from the victim’s social media account. The investigations are ongoing.

The Nova Scotia RCMP is advising the public of the scam in the event that it’s happening elsewhere in the province.

Nova Scotia RCMP public information officer Cpl. Jennifer Clarke said they are asking anyone impacted by this scam to come forward and report it to police.

“We also want to encourage parents and guardians to talk to their children about what they are sharing online, the potential risks associated and how to protect themselves,” Clarke said. “Please know that our investigators appreciate this can be embarrassing but do not let that stop you from contacting us. We need this information to identify those responsible to put a stop to it.”

To learn more about protecting yourself online, visit https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/cnt/prtct-yrslf/index-en-aspx. For resources on cyberbullying, go to https://novascotia.ca/cyberscan/.

Anyone who would like to speak to the police about these incidents is asked to contact the Kings District RCMP at 902-6795555 or 1-800-803-RCMP (7267). Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222TIPS (8477). Secure web tips can be submitted at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips App.