RCMP warning residents of email extortion scam

The RCMP is warning the public of an email scam circulating.

The scammer represents themselves as part of the RCMP, investigating online sexual related offences against youth and threatens arrest.

On Friday, January 23, police received a report from an individual who had received such a concerning email, signed by the Commissioner of the RCMP.

The scammer stated that the individual was the subject of a cybercrime police investigation for sexual offences committed against a youth, and they further cautioned that an arrest warrant would be issued against the individual if they failed to respond to the email within 48-hours.

The email address used to contact the individual in this particular incident was rcmpgrcweb@gmail.com. This email address is not associated with the RCMP.

This is an extortion scam.

Anyone who is the subject of a criminal investigation will be contacted by police, typically in person. Contact could also take place over the phone or via email; however, formal statements about an investigation will be taken in person. Findings of guilt are determined through a judicial court process and not by the police.

If you receive an email similar to this, please contact your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to make a report.