LLOYDMINSTER, Alta., Sask. — Lloydminster RCMP are alerting the public to a spike in fraud reports involving scammers who impersonate government officials and pressure victims into spending money through Bitcoin ATMs.
In several recent incidents, victims have been contacted by individuals falsely claiming to represent government agencies and advised that they are facing arrest, criminal charges, or jail time. The scammers use fear and urgency to pressure victims into transferring money through Bitcoin ATMs to avoid the alleged legal consequences.
As part of the fraud, suspects may communicate through messaging applications such as WhatsApp and provide victims with QR codes to scan at Bitcoin ATMs. Once scanned, the QR code directs the cryptocurrency transfer into an account controlled by the scammer, making the funds extremely difficult to recover.
RCMP say the Government of Canada, law enforcement agencies, and legitimate government departments will never demand payment through cryptocurrency, Bitcoin ATMs, gift cards, or prepaid credit cards. They will also not threaten immediate arrest or imprisonment over the telephone, text message, email, or messaging applications.
Lloydminster RCMP is reminding residents to be vigilant and watch for common warning signs, including:
-Demands for immediate payment to avoid arrest, fines, or legal action.
-Requests to withdraw funds from bank accounts and deposit them into a Bitcoin ATM.
-Instructions to keep the matter secret from family, friends, or financial institutions.
-Communications through WhatsApp, text messages, or other messaging applications from unknown individuals.
-QR codes provided by strangers for financial transactions.
-Threats designed to create panic and prevent victims from verifying the information.
If you receive such a communication:
-Do not send money or cryptocurrency.
-Do not scan QR codes provided by unknown individuals.
-Hang up, stop responding, and independently verify the caller's identity through official channels.
-Report the incident to your local police service.
-If financial information has been disclosed, immediately contact your financial institution.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of fraud should contact Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400. Fraud attempts can also be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501 or online at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Lloydminster RCMP encourage residents to discuss these scams with family members, particularly seniors and vulnerable individuals who are often targeted by fraudsters.
