Leduc RCMP warns of cryptocurrency scams involving bitcoin

The Leduc RCMP is warning local residents to be cautious of scams involving cryptocurrency, also known as bitcoin.

Local RCMP are warning residents to be cautious of scams, also known as a fraud, that are circulating in the community.

RCMP advise that they have received several reports of scams involving cryptocurrency, also known as bitcoin. In one scam, a person claiming to be an RCMP officer contacted the victim by phone.

The caller advised the victim that their SIN had been compromised and used to fund large scale fraudulent activity, and that they needed to quickly transfer funds to a new SIN card at the detachment. To do this, they advised the victim to go to the Bitcoin Machine in town and follow the instructions of the caller to make a payment to a specific code.

Once the payment went through the officer would issue a new SIN card at the detachment.

Suspects contact the victims from a phone number that appears to be legitimate and provide convincing information to enhance the scam including badge numbers and file numbers. Victims have reported that the phone number that shows up from the scammer is the Ledu RCMP detachment.

RCMP advise residents to use caution any time they are asked for money or personal information. Tips to protect yourself include:

The RCMP will never ask for payment by Bitcoin.

Verify the callers phone number – scammers will often create numbers that are very similar to legitimate ones, or even appearing to be the same. Legitimate businesses - including the RCMP- do not mind you calling back to verify.

Never feel pressured to make a quick decision – take time to verify.

For further information on how to protect yourself, please visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or call toll free at 1-888-495-8501. If you believe you may be a victim of fraud, please contact the Ledu RCMP at 780-980-7267 or your local police detachment.