Residents of the Upper Ottawa Valley have been receiving unsolicited emails from someone claiming to have access to their device(s).
The message informs the recipient they are required to pay via Bitcoin otherwise intimate images of them will be released to their contact list. The message contains some readily available information to make it appear they have hacked your device(s).
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the OPP has released warnings signs to keep oneself safe from scams.
- Beware of unsolicited text messages and emails from individuals or organizations asking you to click a link or attachemnt.
- Watch for spelling mistakes in unsolicited messages.
- Verify the hyperlink behind a link’s text button by hovering over the text with the mouse.
- Do not click links or attachments in unsolicited messages; they could contain viruses or spyware.
- Do not send any financial information, money, or purchase gift cards to send the authorization codes.
Anyone who has been defrauded or who has been contacted by a scam artist should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or your local police service. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can also be reached at 1-888-496-8501.