WEST CARLETON – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning the community of a spam email containing disturbing content including child sexual abuse.

“The OPP has received numerous complaints where members of the public from across the province received unsolicited emails which, when opened, contained links to images of child sexual abuse,” Child Sexual Exploitation Unit acting detective Staff Sgt. Chris Barkey released in a statement today (Jan. 7).

The emails, which were received from the email account mail@aloette.me contained directions, when followed unknowingly exposed the recipient to child sexual abuse imagery.

“Recipients of emails from mail@aloette.me are asked to contact their local police and to abstain from opening the emails,” Barkey said. “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.”

Anyone wanting to make a difference is encouraged to go to www.protectchildren.ca to download the Child Sexual Abuse-It Is Your Business brochure from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

“This is an important first step that can save a child,” Barkey said.

Parents are reminded 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.

Police are asking anyone who may have information regarding this investigation or if you have information regarding internet child exploitation, please contact the OPP at . If wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at (TIPS) or 1-800-222-8477 www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.  Reporting information may also be made on the internet through www.cybertip.ca. 1-888-310-1122.