A Nanaimo man was recently extorted out of $350 after sending a nude photo of himself over a dating app. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

sextortion

‘Embarrassment factor is huge on these:’ dating app extortion costs Nanaimo man money

Aug 28, 2024 | 12:46 PM

NANAIMO — Police say it’s never a good idea to send a nude photo of yourself to someone on the internet.

It’s a piece of advice a local man learned after being extorted by online criminals who who threatened to release your naked photo unless he paid up.

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said the man recently reported to the detachment being extorted for money after sending naked photos of himself to someone across the online dating site, Hinge.

“This individual thought they were speaking with someone they knew or were forming a relationship with, which is probably bogus. So after sending the photos, the pressure is put on and he’s got to pay up some money, they’re asking for $1,500.”

The man sent at least $350 before becoming suspicious, cutting off communication and contacting the police.

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Despite some high-profile court cases of sextortion involving women making headlines recently, such as the case of Amanda Todd who died in October 2012 after being extorted and harassed online, O’Brien said the majority of people who are victimized in this way are men.

“Embarrassment factor is huge on these. We know that only a certain percentage are being reported. Other crimes, for example frauds, only about 10 per cent of all frauds are ever reported, so there’s 90 per cent of victims out there and they don’t have to suffer in silence.”

O’Brien said if you find yourself in this situation, the best advice is to stop communication immediately, block the person, and then tell someone, whether they be a parent or law enforcement.

“Tell an adult, own up, tell them what you were up to, but you have to get some help on this one. If you’re being extorted for money, it’s only going to continue.”

The man realized he had no idea who he was actually speaking to and took this as a learning lesson, said O’Brien, and wasn’t contacted by the scammer any further.

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