are warning NWT residents of a Bitcoin scam that's been going around in recent months.

"Victims receive a threatening letter or email stating that they have been looking at 'adult content' online," according to a release from police on Thursday. "The scammers then state that malware on the victimSA国际影视传媒檚 computer has captured compromising images of the victim while browsing this content."

Scammers get a picture of the victim's home through Google Street View, the release added, and they then use that image to scare and extort the victim into paying them, usually in the form of Bitcoin, in exchange for secrecy about their online activities.

"Although these reports have primarily been received in other areas of Canada, the Northwest Territories have been made aware of recent, unsuccessful scam attempt linked to Yellowknife," added the release.

are cautioning members of the public not to comply with any demands. Instead, it asks residents to contact their local detachment via the non-emergency line in their community for assistance.