The Niagara Regional Police Service say they are releasing the text of an extortion email that has been circulating in the Niagara Region the past couple of weeks in the hope of preventing others from being victimized.
Police say at least 10 incidents have been reported to them in an ongoing email extortion scam, that leads victims to believe the extortionist has gained access to their computer and found compromising materials or activity.
The email typically includes a QR code linked to a cryptocurrency wallet, demanding payment in Bitcoin, police said.
Many of the extortion emails use the same words, the only changes being the victim’s personal information, according to police.
CLICK HERE to view the extortion email.
Anyone with information about this incident or believes they are the victim is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-0688-4111, “dispatch”.
After contacting the NRPS, it is also important to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s via its online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
Police said if you are not a victim, it is still important to report the incident to the CAFC. Reporting can prevent further harm.
In the meantime, police offered the following tips:
Do not Engage or Respond
- Never reply to scam emails, even if they seem threatening or intimidating. Engaging with the sender can encourage more attempts. Mark these emails as spam and delete them.
Verify the Claim (Without Clicking Links)
- Scam emails often falsely claim they have hacked your webcam or obtained compromising information. If they provide "evidence" like passwords, it is often from older data breaches. You can check if your information was leaked using reputable online services. Do not click on any links or download attachments from suspicious emails.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
- Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords for each account. Change passwords regularly, especially for important accounts like email or banking, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
Keep Your Software and Antivirus Updated
- Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and all security software to protect against known vulnerabilities. A strong antivirus can help detect and block malicious attempts.
Recognize Signs of Scams
- Scam emails often use scare tactics and urgency. Common signs include bad grammar, generic greetings (like “Dear user”), and threats that claim immediate action unless you pay a ransom. Being aware of these signs can help you avoid falling victim.
- Slow down. Do not act immediately. Consider contacting a person you trust or the authorities.
