$9k lost in Guelph crypto scam

Mars est le mois de la prévention de la fraude.

Guelph Police are reminding people to be cautious after a resident lost more than $9,000 in a cryptocurrency scam.

Police were called to a business downtown before 8 p.m. on an undisclosed day. The victim said they were contacted by someone claiming to represent the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The caller said the victim’s identity had been compromised and provided instructions to deposit $9,100 into a Bitcoin ATM.

Police said the victim withdrew the funds from their line of credit and sent it as instructed, but when they tried to confirm the money had been received, they were told it was a scam.

“Residents are encouraged to be wary of any telephone call, email or text which requires you to take immediate action,” police said in a news release. Police believe it is best to independently contact the supposed sender and confirm the legitimacy of the correspondence before taking action.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Even if no financial loss has been sustained, interactions can still be reported to the CAFC.