Guelph Woman Loses Nearly $ 8,000 in Bitcoin Scam – Police | The Canadian News

Guelph police say there are no leads after a woman lost nearly $ 8,000 in a Bitcoin scam.

On Monday afternoon, the 27-year-old victim walked into police headquarters to report the scam, but the service admitted that payments via Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies are nearly untraceable.

Police said the woman explained that she received a call earlier that day from someone claiming to be with the Canadian Border Services Agency.

“The caller claimed that a package with the woman’s name had been received and that it contained traffic-compatible materials,” police said in a press release.

“The caller warned that the woman would be arrested unless she paid a fine of $ 8,050 through Bitcoin. While still on the phone with the caller, the victim attended a business downtown with a Bitcoin ATM and deposited $ 7,750. “

The woman did not deposit the remainder as she was suspicious of the person speaking on the phone, police said.

The phone number used to call the victim is now out of order and police said “there are no viable investigative leads.”

3:03Police warn of bitcoin scam

To avoid falling victim to similar scams, the police urge residents not to provide any information to callers they do not know.

The service also posted the following list of tips:

• Do not click on the links provided or follow the instructions of someone you do not know.
• If the caller claims to be from an agency like Canadian Border Services or Canada Revenue Agency, hang up and call the agency directly before following the instructions. Find the number yourself instead of using a number provided by the caller.
• The caller will use various means, including threats, to try to force you to act quickly. Do not be fooled.
• No government agency will require payment by gift cards or cryptocurrencies. If they ask, hang up.