OPP warn of spam email containing child sexual abuse images

After receiving numerous complaints from citizens across the province, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning the public of spam emails containing images of child sexual abuse.

According to the OPP, members of the public have received unsolicited emails which, when opened, contained links to images of child sexual abuse. The emails, which were received from the email account ‘[email protected]’ contained directions that, when followed, exposed the unknowing recipients to child sexual abuse imagery.

Recipients of emails from ‘[email protected]’ are asked to not open those emails, and to contact their local police.

The OPP would like to remind the public to exercise caution when opening emails received from unfamiliar or unusual accounts.

“If unsure, a company’s legitimate contact information can typically be confirmed by visiting their website,” the OPP said in a press release on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021.

Additionally, the OPP is reminding parents to take “a proactive approach to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety.” Parents and anyone interested in protecting children can find resources to assist them at www.cybertip.ca. Anyone wanting to help combat these types of child exploitation is encouraged to go to www.protectchildren.ca to download the ‘Child Sexual Abuse – It is Your Business’ brochure form the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. This is an important first step that can help save a child, the OPP said.

Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding this investigation or any information regarding internet child exploitation to please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Tips can also be made anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Information can also be reported on the internet through www.cybertip.ca.