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Extortion Scam Hits Norfolk

Monday, 13 May 2019 14:11

A Norfolk man received an email from a scam artist who claimed they had hacked their computer and all of their passwords.

NORFOLK COUNTY - Norfolk OPP are warning the public after a local resident was targeted with an extortion scam. 

Police say the victim received an email on Friday from a unknown user demanding money. The scammer claimed that they had hacked their account in were in possession of all their passwords. The email also indicated that they were aware of the adult websites that were visited by the male victim and if $1,200 dollars in bitcoin was not forwarded, pictures and video of the adult pornography sites visited would be forwarded to everyone in his contact list.

No money was forwarded and no personal information was provided. The victim realized that this was a scam trying to extort money and immediately contacted police after receiving the email. These types of messages are commonly known as scareware and are designed to create anxiety and complete shock for the computer owner resulting in the owner sending money

Tips to protect yourself:

- Never download anti-virus software from a pop-up or link sent to you through an e-mail.

- Update your anti-virus software often and scan your computer for viruses regularly.

- Don't click on links or attachments in e-mails sent to you by someone you don't know.

- Turn on your browser's pop-up blocking feature.

- Never click on a pop up that claims your computer has a virus.


If you received an email message, please contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.

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