Residents should be on the lookout for cryptocurrency scams, according to Police in Saint John.
The Saint John Police Force said officers have responded to at least five instances of bitcoin-related scams since early May, resulting in losses totalling tens of thousands of dollars.
“Banking institutions, police officers or representatives from any other legitimate financial or government institutions, including the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), will not ask you to withdrawal funds and send them BITCOIN or purchase gift cards,” said a release.
Police also offering these tips to people to avoid becoming a victim:
- Be aware of unsolicited calls asking for your personal or banking information.
- Be aware of phone calls threatening arrest or large fines.
- Be aware of paying fees or deposits in advance of receiving goods and services.
- Be aware of phone calls asking you to send payments using cryptocurrencies and prepaid gift or credit cards.
- Be aware of urgent messages that appear on your computer or are sent to you in an email.
- Protect your accounts online with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
- Watch out for urgent pleas for your money.
- Do not send sexual photos or videos of yourself to anyone.
- Legitimate businesses, financial institutions and government agencies, including the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and police, do not threaten clients.
You can report any suspected scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.