Guelph police are investigating after a woman lost approximately $58,000 – including $20,000 from a line of credit – through an elaborate Bitcoin scam.
The scam came to light when the woman ran out of money and asked relatives for help paying the scammer.
Officers met with relatives of the victim Tuesday and learned she was contacted approximately six weeks ago by someone claiming to be an officer with the Department of Justice. The caller advised there was a warrant for the woman's arrest which could be quashed if she paid a sum of money.
She was directed to withdraw as much as she could and deposit it into Bitcoin ATMs in Guelph and Brampton. When she asked relatives for help getting more money together they contacted police.
The Guelph Police Service would like to remind the public that no police officer or government official will ever instruct you to purchase and send gift cards or submit payment via Bitcoin.
