The Peterborough Police Service is warning residents to be aware of cryptocurrency scams, which have been on the rise in the city. According to the police, in 2023, victims of cryptocurrency fraud reported losses of over $550,000 to the service. The police say that the most common form of cryptocurrency fraud is investment scams, which use ads on social media to lure victims with promises of high returns and low risks. The police advise residents to be cautious and vigilant when dealing with cryptocurrency, and to follow some tips to avoid becoming a victim.
The police say that investment scams often use fake endorsements and testimonials from celebrities or public figures
The police say that investment scams often use fake endorsements and testimonials from celebrities or public figures, such as Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, or Justin Trudeau, to make their offers seem more credible and attractive. The scammers also create fake websites and platforms that look like legitimate cryptocurrency exchanges or wallets, and ask the victims to register and deposit their money in cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. The scammers then make the victims believe that their investments have grown significantly, and encourage them to invest more.
The police say that the victims realize they have been scammed when they try to withdraw their money and are unable to do so
The police say that the victims realize they have been scammed when they try to withdraw their money and are unable to do so. The scammers either stop communicating with the victims, or ask them to pay more fees or taxes before they can access their funds. The victims then discover that the websites and platforms they used were fake, and that their money has been transferred to the scammers’ accounts, which are hard to trace and recover. The police say that some victims have lost their life savings or gone into debt because of these scams.
The police offer some tips to prevent and report cryptocurrency fraud
The police offer some tips to prevent and report cryptocurrency fraud, such as:
- Do your research before investing in cryptocurrency, and only deal with reputable companies and advisors. Check the reviews and ratings of the websites and platforms you use, and verify the credentials and licenses of the people you deal with.
- Be skeptical of any offers that sound too good to be true, such as guaranteed returns, risk-free investments, or limited-time opportunities. Remember that cryptocurrency is volatile and risky, and that there is no such thing as a free lunch.
- Be careful of any requests to send money or personal information in cryptocurrency, especially if they are urgent or threatening. Do not click on any links or attachments that you receive from unknown or suspicious sources, and do not share your passwords or PINs with anyone.
- If you suspect that you have been a victim of cryptocurrency fraud, report it to the police as soon as possible, and provide as much information and evidence as you can, such as screenshots, receipts, and transaction details. You can also report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which collects and analyzes information on fraud and identity theft.
