Guelph police report that on Thursday an adult female victim received a phone call and subsequent text messages from an adult female who pretended that she was a government employee.
She advised the victim that there was a warrant out for her arrest, due to a parcel that was shipped into Canada in the victim’s name containing illegal items. The victim was told that the only way to have this matter resolved was to send in all her money via a Bitcoin machine.
The female followed the instructions, and between 5:30 p.m. and 5:49 p.m., deposited $4,900 into a Bitcoin machine in a store located near the intersection of Woolwich Street and Speedvale Avenue West.
She contacted police when she realized that it was likely a scam.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Constable Mason Melitzer at 519-824-1212 ext. 7278, email him at [email protected], leave an anonymous tip at CRIME STOPPERS 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.
The Guelph Police Service would like to remind the public that no police officer or government official will ever instruct you to deposit money into a Bitcoin machine. Please be very vigilant and cautious whenever you are speaking with someone you don’t know, especially online or over the phone. Please also seek advice from a family member, coworker, trusted friend or the Guelph Police Service at 519-824-1212 before following through on instructions received from a person that you don’t know.
