Bitcoin Sextortion Scams Spread Across Canada

On both coasts of Canada, citizens are receiving threatening letters demanding $1,900 in Bitcoin or risk having their private information. Including nudes and browser history, sent to loved ones. These Bitcoin sextortion scams are nothing new. But fraudsters are now taking the intimidation to another level—leveraging Google Maps street view to convince victims that they are being watched.

In the latest wave of scams, criminals are making use of publicly available information, including pictures of victims’ streets and homes, to create a terrifying sense of surveillance. This manipulation of common online tools is adding an unnerving twist to the already alarming scheme.

Google Maps Street View: A New Weapon for Scammers

One Ontario woman, speaking to CTV News, shared how terrifying it was to receive a letter that not only demanded Bitcoin but also included personal details like her name, address, email, and even a street view image of her home. “It’s very unnerving, it’s very upsetting,” she said. The use of Google Maps street view by scammers has made the threats feel disturbingly personal. Fooling victims into thinking they’re being stalked.

Local authorities, including York Regional Police (YRP), have issued warnings about these scams, advising the public to remain vigilant. Fraudsters are exploiting publicly available information, such as personal data leaked in third-party data breaches, to bolster the appearance of legitimacy. Information like passwords, addresses, and social media accounts can easily be found online, often as a result of past security breaches.

Without these added details, the scam letters could feel more like harmless spam. But the inclusion of personal information gives victims the false impression that the criminals have deeper access to their lives.

Threats That Read Like a Playlist

The threatening letters themselves are often laced with a mix of crude humor and aggression. One such letter, shared by the YRP, begins, “I suggest you read this message carefully. Take a moment to chill, breathe, and analyze it thoroughly. ‘Cause we’re about to discuss a deal between you and me, and I ain’t playing games.”

Some sentences even take on a lyrical tone, such as, “Yeah, Yeah, I’ve got footage of you doing filthy things in your room (nice setup, by the way).” While the language might seem comical, the intent is clear: to scare victims into paying the demanded Bitcoin ransom.

Empty Threats and a Sense of Relief

Thankfully, so far, the threats have been empty. A spokesperson for the North Vancouver RCMP confirmed that none of the reported cases of Bitcoin sextortion have resulted in actual exposure of compromising images. “So far, from all the victims that we’ve had, [the suspects] have not provided any images of the victim, so it’s just merely them saying that they have images,” the spokesperson told North Shore News.

Despite the alarming nature of these letters, many recipients aren’t falling for the scam. An investigation by Protos into a Bitcoin address provided to several victims revealed a balance of $0, with no transactions recorded. This suggests that most people recognize the scam for what it is and refuse to pay.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

Authorities are urging those who receive these Bitcoin sextortion letters not to panic. Instead, they advise taking the following steps:

1. Sweep your devices for malware: These scammers may have used phishing tactics to gain access to your computer or phone. Running a thorough scan for malware is a smart precaution.
2. Report the incident to local police: Even if you suspect the threats are empty, it’s important to inform authorities so they can track the extent of the scam.
3. Do not send money: Under no circumstances should you send Bitcoin or any other form of payment to the scammers. Sending money only encourages further criminal activity.

Conclusion

The latest wave of Bitcoin sextortion scams in Canada has left many people feeling unsettled, particularly with scammers now using Google Maps street view to add a personal touch to their threats. While these schemes are designed to intimidate, victims are encouraged to remain calm and report the incidents to local authorities. The good news is that most of these threats are empty, and following proper precautions can help protect both your privacy and your wallet.