City residents receive threatening messages

THUNDER BAY — Police are cautioning members of the public about an extortion scam that's currently circulating in Thunder Bay.

The TBPS issued an alert Monday, saying it has received multiple reports of local residents receiving messages with threats to pose explicit images or videos of them online.

The perpetrators demand payment of a fee by way of an e-transfer, cryptocurrency or gift cards.

Police advised anyone receiving this kind of message to disregard it and avoid responding.

"Do not send any form of payment," they said.

The TBPS economic crime unit also urged family members and friends to speak to individuals who may be vulnerable to being targeted by this type of scam.

A cyber crime may be reported to Thunder Bay Police online.