More than $1 million in losses from cryptocurrency fraud in the Comox Valley, RCMP say
Mounties in the Comox Valley say recent instances of cryptocurrency fraud in the region have led to losses of more than $1 million.
Comox Valley RCMP say they're currently investigating "several reports" of such frauds. In a news release, they describe two incidents in which victims were contacted by phone and "presented with an opportunity to invest money in return for dividends."
The victims gave the scammers remote access to their computers "to facilitate the creation of online trading accounts on a legitimate trading platform," police say in their release.
"However, since the scammer had access to the computer they were able to gather personal information from the victim and had continued access to the accounts created," RCMP say. "For some time, the victims received dividends from the scammer. When the dividends eventually stopped, the accounts were drained."
Other victims were looking to invest in cryptocurrency. They found brokers through Facebook advertisements and transferred money, police say.
"They transferred money to these brokers and saw reports online showing that their money was doing well," police say. "The brokers encouraged victims to invest more money until all communication stopped and the money became inaccessible."
The recent incidents in the Comox Valley come on the heels of similar fraud reports in Saanich. Last month, Saanich police said residents of that district had lost $1.4 million in cryptocurrency scams since mid-July.
RCMP advise the public to be suspicious of online advertising promising returns, as well as unexpected calls offering investment opportunities.
Police also advise taking time to ensure that investment services are legitimate and avoid making rushed decisions.
"Do not allow anyone to have remote access to your computer to facilitate the creation of accounts and/or to access private banking information," police say.
Anyone who is a victim of fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, according to Comox Valley RCMP.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.