U of G student’s intimate content used in online extortion scheme
Posted Nov 26, 2025 05:34:07 AM.
Last Updated Nov 26, 2025 10:21:07 AM.
Guelph police issued a safety reminder to residents after an extortion case involving a university student in the Royal City.
It was on Monday when the service said they were contacted by an 18-year-old who said they were being extorted by a stranger online.
That victim said that they’ve been involved in an online chat, sharing explicit images and videos, only to receive messages from someone threatening to send that content to their friends and family.
Police said the victim believed some portion of the content had already been shared through several Instagram accounts, though it’s unclear whether or not that’s actually the case.
Police have since reminded residents not to share personal details or intimate images online, as they say that content can be used for criminal purposes.
Anyone that suspects they could be the victim of cybercrime or fraud is encouraged to contact local police, as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system.
Those reports can be made online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
Reports can be made to that anti-fraud centre, even if no financial loss has been sustained.
