Calgarians losing cash to crypto scams
Calgarians have lost more than $22.5 million in 340 reported cryptocurrency scams so far this year, according to police. Calgary police have reported that people in the city have lost more than $22.5 million in reported cryptocurrency scams so far this year, up from last year. The CPS is alerting residents to the common red flags associated with these scams, such as investment scams, employment opportunities, romance scams, and scammers posing as financial institutions or government agencies threatening consequences if the money isn't paid. To mark Cyber Security Awareness Month, police are reminding residents that only scammers will demand full payment upfront, and to beware of people who promise or guarantee you can quickly and easily make money in the crypto markets with minimal effort. If you have suffered a financial loss as a result of fraud or extortion, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or CrimeStoppers.
发表 : 2年前 经过 Lauryn Heintz 在 Finance
People in Calgary have lost more than $22.5 million in 340 reported cryptocurrency scams so far this year, police say.
That’s up from last year, where 321 reported scams involving residents saw losses of $14 million.
Despite these ultra-high numbers, Calgary police say that cryptocurrency scams are often underreported, and to mark Cyber Security Awareness Month, the CPS is drawing attention to the common red flags associated with these scams.
Police say that while the majority of cryptocurrency is legitimate, the deregulated marketplace has at times been used by scammers as a form of payment connected to various frauds.
Police say the most common scams are investment scams that promise a large return on funds, convincing victims to keep sending more, as well as employment opportunities, romance scams, and scammers posing as financial institutions or government agencies threatening consequences if the money isn’t paid.
“It is important for citizens to know that while cryptocurrency can be used legitimately, fraudsters often lure victims with promises of a quick way to make money,” Staff Sgt. Graeme Smiley said in a statement.
Calgary police are reminding residents that only scammers will demand full payment upfront — legitimate businesses, organizations and government agencies won’t demand money in advance, especially in cryptocurrency, over the phone, or use threats if payment isn’t received.
Investigators also warn that guarantees on profits or big returns will only be made by scammers. They say to beware of people who promise or guarantee you can quickly and easily make money in the crypto markets with minimal effort.
Social media friend requests or online dating apps that mention crypto investments are also a red flag, according to police. They say if you get an unsolicited message from someone on an app or dating site asking to show you how to invest in crypto or ask you to send them crypto, it is likely a scam.
A crypto investment promise can also be a disguise for an account takeover, according to police. They say to only give permissions and access to individuals that are required.
Anyone who has suffered a financial loss as a result of fraud or extortion to report it to police by calling 403-266-1234 or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
Fraudulent text messages, emails, or phone calls that haven’t resulted in financial losses should still be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
话题: Canada, Cryptocurrency, Calgary