Cryptocurrency Scams Continue to Prey on Victims in the Region

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has issued a warning about the prevalence of cryptocurrency scams in the region. According to the OPP, scammers are using various tactics to exploit victims, including investment frauds, job/employment scams, relationship and romance scams, extortion scams, recovery scams, bank investigator scams, and service scams.

The OPP notes that one common method used by scammers is to pressure victims into sending cryptocurrency through ATMs. These transfers can be fast, difficult to reverse, and can be routed to criminals and criminal networks anywhere in the world.

To combat these scams, the OPP is working with local businesses and community groups to provide fraud prevention materials and education. Community engagement officers will deliver fraud prevention materials and messaging at locations where cryptocurrency ATMs are situated, while OPP Auxiliary members will support community-based fraud-prevention education.