According to a recent hotspot map released by the Saskatchewan RCMP, Swift Current has one of the highest numbers per capita of reported extortion cases across the province.
Swift Current City RCMP Staff Sergeant, Evan Gordon, acknowledged that there could be several factors for the alarming result displayed on the map.
“According to the numbers and the hotspot map, Swift Current does have a higher than usual number of these cases,” he stated. “I want to make sure that people understand that could be for a variety of different reasons. I really do think that these are underreported across the province, so to say that people in Swift Current are more likely to be targeted, or more likely to provide that information, I don't know that's the case. They may just be a little more willing to come forward with it.”
From January to June of 2023, Saskatchewan RCMP received 105 reports of extortion. A stark contrast to the 36 reports of extortion received within the same period last year. This marks a year-over-year increase of nearly 200 percent.
“I think it's important to point out that although it's a very large increase, due to the sensitive nature of this type of report, I think it's actually probably even larger than that,” Gordon noted. “Those numbers are likely underreported for a variety of different reasons. Nowadays, our online footprint seems to be expanding larger and larger every single day, and what that means is more opportunities for fraudulent activity with every new app and every new online profile. I think folks are becoming a lot more used to sharing information online and being free with that information online, but we want to warn people that there still are dangers to that.”
The vast majority of the reports are what is better known as ‘sextortion,’ which commonly begins with online platforms such as social media, gaming, or dating sites and continues through the platform or personal information that is shared.
“What happens is the scammer persuades the victim to provide some sensitive or compromising information like photographs of themselves,” Gordon elaborated. “Sometimes, the way that is induced is by the scammer providing the first picture or the first bit of information, and quite often that picture or video isn't even the property of the person scamming the victim. Once the victim has provided some sensitive information or compromising information about themselves, that's when the scammer has their hook in and makes the demand and makes the extortion.”
The scammer will often threaten to send out sensitive information or photos of the victim if they do not receive a certain amount of money.
Gordon also noted that in some cases, even if no compromising information is provided, the scammer will threaten the victim with Photoshop to make it appear as if compromising information has been shared.
Another common form of extortion involves a scammer informing a victim that they have hacked into their computer or phone and have been monitoring their online activities. The victim is then threatened that their activity will be shared with their contacts or posted online unless a payment is made.
The scammer will often threaten to make it appear as though the online activity contains compromising information even if it does not.
He also acknowledged that while it may be easier said than done in this day and age, the best way to protect yourself is to know who you are talking to online. He also recommends that individuals refrain from sending intimate photos or videos online and that parents monitor their child’s online activity and discuss online safety with them.
If an individual has been victimized by extortion, it is recommended to break off communication immediately.
“Immediately cease communicating with that suspect,” Gordon stated. “Deactivate your social media accounts that you're using to communicate with them. You don't necessarily have to delete them but deactivate them, change your passwords and don't share any of that information with them. Keep a record of any conversations that you've had with them and don't send money or gift cards. If someone is threatening you, that's a sure sign that a criminal act is taking place, but if you are being asked to send gift cards for any sort of payment purpose, that's a very good sign that you're being scammed and then obviously report the incident to your local police.”
Locations of smaller hotspots on the map were not confirmed in order to protect the privacy of the victims. However, Saskatchewan RCMP confirmed that they have received at least one report from every detachment in the Southwest.
To report an incident, contact your local police service. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local RCMP detachment.
Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.