Local youth victimized by online extortion via social media platform
By Trail Champion
On Nov. 14, at 11:24 a.m., a frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officer received a report from a young person about being the target for online extortion in the Trail area, according to RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
“The young person made a connection with an unknown suspect via a social media platform,” Wicentowich said. “The young person was allegedly convinced to take and send a nude digital photograph via email by the suspect. Once sent, the suspect began demanding money from the young person. The young person sent $20 electronically to the suspect; however, the young person’s parent was alerted to the transaction and intervened.”
The parent and young person reported the incident to the Trail RCMP. The officer spoke to the young person about the incident and provided guidance on internet safety. The young person deleted the social media account and blocked the suspect. The money cannot be recovered.
“Our young people can get themselves into difficult predicaments when using social media. In this case, the parent was able intervene and report the matter to police. Please take a moment to speak to your children about the consequences of sending sensitive photographs to others. Once a photograph enters the digital realm, it can never be undone,” Wicentowich said.
