Resident lost $14K to cryptocurrency fraud, Sault police issue fraud warning
The Sault Police Service is issuing a public alert after a resident recently lost about $14,000 in cryptocurrency fraud.
In a news release Monday, police said there has been an increase in related fraud complaints in recent weeks.
"A victim was contacted and directed to use a bitcoin ATM to deposit money into the fraudsters account," police said.
"On this occasion, the victim was told they were speaking to a fraud adviser at a financial institution and to deposit money into a cryptocurrency account."
It's the ninth cryptocurrency/bitcoin related fraud complaints Sault police have received since August 2021.
"We urge everyone in the community, do not transfer money or cryptocurrency to anyone you do not know," police said.
"Often, seniors and new Canadians are targeted in these cryptocurrency related frauds. Please have a discussion with people in your life, and ensure they are aware of these types of fraudulent activity."
Staff at a business with a bitcoin ATM are trained and often recognize potential victims and warn them not to transfer money.
"If a staff member advises you it is fraudulent, please take their advice and contact police," the release added.
Anyone with concerns about a potential scam or fraudulent activity can contact at 705-949-6300.
Other tips to prevent phone fraud:
- Do not share personal information with anyone you do not know over the phone. Remember, you are not obligated to share your information with others. Do not be shy about asking the person on the phone questions about why they are requesting money or personal information.
- If you have second thoughts, end the communication. It is not rude, it is cautious. Protect yourself and your personal information at all times.
For more tips, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza’s vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife’s edge.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
Have you been removed from your family doctor’s patient list for visiting an Ontario walk-in clinic?
Some Ontarians are expressing frustration after they said that they were removed from their family doctor’s patient list for visiting a walk-in clinic in a process being called “de-rostering.”
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Canadian government proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.