Use Local Data Safely
Use Local Data Safely
Communities need information, but victims need privacy. Local data should help people understand patterns, identify service gaps, and coordinate support — not investigate cases, name suspects, or create lists of victims.
The Principle
Safe local action focuses on:
- Awareness and education
- Referral pathways to professionals
- Aggregate community needs
- Connections to police and victim services
It never includes:
- Investigating cases
- Naming suspects
- Creating lists of victims
- Sharing case details in group chats
What Is Safe to Collect
| Category | Examples | Why It’s Safe |
|---|---|---|
| Public sources | Police press releases, public media stories | Already public information |
| Workshop data | Attendance totals, languages requested, topics covered | No individual identification |
| Service gaps | “We need more Punjabi-speaking counsellors in Surrey” | Describes systems, not people |
| Organizational participation | Number of organizations in network, types represented | Aggregate only |
Collect Only With Caution
| Category | Examples | Why It Needs Care |
|---|---|---|
| Anonymous themes | “Several community members mentioned WhatsApp threats” | Keep vague; no dates, numbers, or details |
| Approximate geography | “Surrey and Brampton areas” | Use regions, not addresses |
| Business-sector concerns | “Restaurant owners report pressure” | No business names without consent |
| General patterns | “Contact often happens at night” | No specific times or dates |
Do Not Collect — Ever
| Category | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Victim names | Creates a target list if breached; violates privacy |
| Home or work addresses | Directly endangers individuals |
| Suspect names | Risks false accusation, vigilantism, legal liability |
| Phone numbers | Could be used to contact or harass victims |
| Screenshots of threats | Evidence belongs to police; sharing compromises cases |
| Payment records | Financial data is sensitive and regulated |
| Case evidence | Could compromise police investigations |
| Immigration details | Extremely sensitive; could endanger status |
| Rumours from group chats | Unreliable, inflammatory, often false |
If Someone Shares Details With You
What to do:
- Thank them for trusting you
- Do not write down names, numbers, or specifics
- Encourage them to report to police or VictimLink
- Offer to sit with them while they call
- Keep the conversation confidential
What not to do:
- Do not add their details to any list or database
- Do not share their story in WhatsApp groups or meetings
- Do not investigate or ask for more details
- Do not forward screenshots or evidence
Safe Group Chat Use
Group chats (Signal, WhatsApp) can be useful for:
- Meeting logistics (time, location)
- Resource sharing (public links, flyers)
- Wellness check-ins (“How is everyone doing?”)
Never use group chats for:
- Sharing victim identities or stories
- Posting screenshots or evidence
- Discussing suspects or rumours
- Coordinating any form of investigation
Reporting Pathways (Safe to Share Widely)
| Service | Phone | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| VictimLink BC | 1-800-563-0808 | 24/7 emotional support, safety planning |
| 911 | 911 | Immediate danger |
| Crime Stoppers | 1-800-222-8477 | Anonymous tip |
| Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre | 1-888-495-8501 | Financial fraud |
If You See Unsafe Data Collection
If a community group or individual is:
- Creating lists of victims or suspects
- Sharing screenshots in group chats
- Investigating cases instead of referring to police
- Collecting personal information without consent
You can:
- Share this page with them
- Contact info@stop-extortion.ca for guidance
- Report concerns to VictimLink or police if individuals are endangered
The Bottom Line
Good community work protects privacy. It does not require knowing names, addresses, or case details to be effective.
What makes communities safer:
- More people knowing how to report
- More people trusting victim services
- Better referral pathways
- Reduced stigma around seeking help
What makes communities less safe:
- Lists of victims or suspects
- Rumour-sharing
- Amateur investigation
- Group chat evidence trading
Choose the first path. It works.
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Next review: September 2026