Update: February 28, 2023 – The NB RCMP is reminding parents to talk with their kids about internet safety as we continue to receive reports of online extortion targeting youth in our communities, including most recently in the Codiac region. It's important that victims not pay any money, and should block the individual as soon as possible. If you suspect someone is trying to extort you, report it to your local police.
The New Brunswick RCMP Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit is investigating several reports of online exploitation targeting youth for financial gain across the province.
In recent months, the New Brunswick RCMP ICE Unit, which includes members from the Saint John Police Force and the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force, has seen a significant increase in online exploitation targeting youth, and is investigating several reports across the province. Individuals are creating fraudulent profiles on social media platforms, such as Snapchat and Instagram, and are using these profiles to befriend teenage boys between 15 and 17 years old. They then convince the victims to share intimate images and videos with them, and then proceed to blackmail them for money, gift cards, and e-currency, and threaten to share the intimate images and videos with family and friends if they do not pay.
Police believe that these fraudulent profiles are being created by organized crime groups overseas, and are working with international law enforcement partners to further the investigation.
"We understand that it may be difficult for youth to talk about these types of incidents, but it is important to notify police as soon as possible if you have been a victim of online extortion," says Cpl. Hans Ouellette with the New Brunswick RCMP. "It's important that victims do not pay any money, and should block the individual as soon as possible. Reporting these crimes can put an end to the blackmailing and can help us track down the individuals responsible."
If you have been a victim of online extortion, please contact your local police. If you have information that could help further the investigation, contact your local police, or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
"We are also asking parents to talk to their children, especially if they are teenagers using Snapchat and other social media platforms," says Cpl. Ouellette. "There are many resources available to parents to help them have conversations with their children about staying safe online."
For more information on how to protect yourself and your children online, please visit the following links:
The investigation is ongoing.