In just four months, cryptocurrency scammers have stolen over $200,000 from residents of southern Bruce County. Scams range from fake tech support malware to fraudulent online crypto investment schemes.
“We’re seeing employment scams where people are offered remote jobs, but payments are made in cryptocurrency, and the jobs never materialize,” said South Bruce OPP Constable Matthew Thorpe.
Crypto-related scams cost Canadians over $309 million in 2023. Detective Constable Joel Armit of the OPP Anti-Rackets Branch explained how scammers teach victims to set up crypto wallets, transfer funds, and watch fake “investments” grow—only to lose everything.
The OPP recently launched Project Atlas to raise awareness and help prevent future scams. Unfortunately, for many, like Ottawa resident Braeden Keenan’s father, who lost up to $8,000, the damage is already done.
“Scammers use cryptocurrency because it’s harder to trace,” Thorpe noted. He advises caution and recommends checking with the Better Business Bureau, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or conducting online research before investing.
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