After numerous sextortion schemes reported to Coquitlam RCMP, police are reminding the public of safe internet practices. 

Mounties have recently investigated a number of files involving young people who "targeted online, manipulated into sharing intimate photos, and then extorted for various sums of money," according to a release Tuesday (March 25).

A sextortion scheme commonly includes a suspect gaining trust over their victim. Once trust is built, the victim then sends intimate images to the suspect. What follows is the suspect immediately extorting the victim for money, videos or more images in exchange for not disclosing the initial intimate photos to the friends and family of the victim.

Victims can be anyone of any age, but it happens more commonly with young victims. 

"Complying doesn鈥檛 ensure the privacy and safety of the victim, nor will it guarantee that the criminal action will stop. It can be particularly scary for the victim, as these criminals can be anywhere in the world," Acting Sgt. John Graham said.

RCMP encourage parents to have clear and honest communication with their children to try and prevent these things from happening.

Parents who are aware of the kinds of apps and sites their children are visiting are already steps ahead, police said.

It is recommended to remind children and teens to not answer calls or accept friend requests from people they do not know and to initially answer video calls with their camera turned off.

If parents would like more resources to help their children deal with these sorts of things they are encouraged to visit these sites:

If you have been a victim of sextortion, you can:

• File a report with the Coquitlam RCMP at the non-emergency number of 604-945-1550, or call 911 if there is immediate danger;
• Submit a report using ;
• If the image or video is online, you can visit  for steps that can have images taken off the internet on your own.

If you or somebody you know is, or has been, a victim of sextortion or any crime-related incident, call the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550.