Two Nanaimo residents lose big in bitcoin scams 

RCMP say that in less than 24 hours, two Nanaimo residents reported loses of over $20,000 in bitcoin scams. Both incidents occurred on Wednesday January 15.

In the first scam, a Nanaimo man told police he received a phone call from a man with a strong South Asian accent who identified himself as a police officer. This person told the victim that the victim’s identity had been compromised and in order to protect his money, he needed to send a percentage of his assets to the officer for safekeeping.

Instructions were provided and the victim was directed to a bitcoin machine in the Woodgrove Centre. There, $13,000 was deposited. Only after sending the money, did the victim realize that he may have been scammed.

In the next one, a Nanaimo man reported receiving an email on his computer from US Digital Cellular claiming he was eligible to receive a refund for $849. This perked his interest, so he called the number provided and was told that in order to receive the refund, he first had to complete a questionnaire.

After sending the questionnaire back he was advised there was an error and the company had incorrectly sent him $4,800. He was asked to send the extra money back via bitcoin. After sending the money, the victim figured out that he had been scammed. He also admitted to feeling ashamed but wanted to share his experience with others so they may not make the same mistakes he did.

“Rule number one is never open up, respond to or open links from people or companies you don’t know. Rule number two is if you are directed to pay by bitcoin, consider it a scam,” said R/Constable Gary O’Brien of Nanaimo RCMP.

To learn more about bitcoin scams and others visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

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