The Lloydminster RCMP is warning residents to stay alert following a surge in reports of fraudsters impersonating government officials to steal money through cryptocurrency machines.
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According to Mounties, scammers contacting residents falsely claim to represent the Government of Canada or affiliated agencies, threatening victims with immediate arrest, criminal charges, or jail time if they fail to pay.
“The scammers use fear and urgency to pressure victims into transferring money through Bitcoin ATMs to avoid the alleged legal consequences,” police said in a release.
Investigators noted suspects frequently communicate through messaging platforms like WhatsApp and send victims QR codes. Scanning these codes at a Bitcoin machine directs the cryptocurrency directly into an account controlled by the fraudsters, making the funds nearly impossible to recover.
Police emphasize that legitimate government agencies and law enforcement will never demand payment in cryptocurrency, gift cards, or prepaid cards, nor will they threaten immediate imprisonment over the phone, text, or messaging apps.
RCMP advise the public to watch for key warning signs, including demands for secret transactions, urgency to avoid arrest and financial requests sent via messaging apps from unknown senders.
Anyone targeted by these tactics should hang up immediately, refrain from scanning unknown QR codes and report the incident to Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400 or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Victims who disclosed financial details are urged to contact their bank right away.
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