Don’t fall for violent WhatsApp extortion threats, Ontario police say [Video]

Police are urging Ontario residents not to give in if they are the target of violent threats and extortion attempts over the messaging service WhatsApp.

The Caledon OPP issued the alert on Tuesday saying recent cases of extortions have seen victims contacted over WhatsApp by people making threats of violence in exchange for a large sum of money.

The violent shakedowns have been an ongoing issue for police and residents in Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga since at least December of 2023 with over 60 extortion-related incidents.

Police say in some cases the extortionists have contacted victims by text or phone and given “knowledge of the individual’s home or workplace” while making the threats.

And while police say the threats can be intimidating, the OPP is urging victims not to agree to the extortionist’s demands.

“Anyone who has received a similar violent extortion message should report it to their local police immediately,” the OPP said in …