The Regina Police Service is advising the public of a new type of scam – previously reported elsewhere in Canada – which has announced its presence in our City. In the past week, the Regina Police Service has received reports from victims who indicate that their safety and their lives are being threatened by an unknown person, or persons, online.
So far, the scenario reported in Regina goes as follows:
– Victim receives a text on their phone;
– Sender identifies himself as being president of an Escort company and accuses the victim of having used the services of an escort without paying;
– Sender then demands payment, saying that if the victim fails to pay, the life of the victim and the lives of the victim’s family are in danger;
– Over the course of several texts, the Sender attaches graphic images depicting victims of violent assaults and homicide, as well as images or video of armed, masked men.
The Regina Police Service is investigating the reports received so far. Consultation with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre confirms there have been similar reports made across Canada.
The Regina Police Service reminds the public to be calm and objective when reading or hearing unsolicited messages. Perpetrators always try to create urgency, anxiety and even fear in their victims, no matter what type of scam it is. Assess the information contained in the call or message; do not add your personal information when someone asks for, or demands, it. Do not make payment. Make a report with your local police service if you have concerns for your safety, if you feel you have been a victim of a scam, or if you have suffered a financial loss as the result of a scam. You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre here for general information about scams and frauds.
