Kingsville couple loses more than $200,000 to crypto scam started on messaging app

A Kingsville, Ontario, couple lost more than $200,000 in a crypto scam that allegedly began with an online investment advertisement, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Essex County OPP said the couple contacted police on Sept. 19 to report that the crypto scam had been ongoing since July. The victims told investigators they had responded to an investment opportunity advertised through a “popular communications application.”

According to police, the couple believed they were investing in bitcoin. The online investment scheme eventually resulted in them losing more than $200,000.

The case highlights how investment opportunities promoted through online platforms can expose users to substantial financial losses, particularly when prospective investors are encouraged to send additional funds after making an initial investment.

The crypto scam reportedly continued for several months before the couple contacted authorities.

Victims promised high returns on crypto scam

The couple told police they had been led to believe their investment would generate significant returns.

“The victims were promised a high return on their investments and became suspicious when the online suspect demanded more money from the victims,” — Ontario Provincial Police, in a statement.

The demand for additional money appears to have prompted the victims to question the investment opportunity and ultimately report the crypto scam to police.

OPP did not provide further details in the supplied report about the identity of the person or people behind the scheme, the cryptocurrency platform allegedly used, or whether any of the stolen funds had been recovered.

Police also did not indicate that the investment opportunity was connected to a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange or financial institution.

The case serves as another example of the risks associated with unsolicited online investment opportunities, particularly those that promise unusually high returns or require investors to continue transferring money.

OPP warns against unfamiliar investment platforms

As part of its guidance to the public, police urged people to be cautious about who they interact with online and where they invest their money.

OPP advises people not to provide personal information to strangers, accept friend requests from people they do not know or invest money through platforms provided by unfamiliar individuals.

The force also warns people against sending money to someone they have never met.

“Don’t invest your money in platforms provided by people you don’t know,” — Ontario Provincial Police, in its public safety guidance.

The warning is particularly relevant to online investment offers, where fraudsters may use communications platforms to establish contact with potential victims before introducing an investment opportunity.

The Kingsville case also illustrates the importance of questioning requests for additional payments. According to police, the victims became suspicious only after the person behind the crypto scam demanded more money.

Crypto scam prevention remains a police priority

OPP’s broader fraud-prevention guidance includes several measures intended to reduce people’s exposure to online scams.

Police advise members of the public to protect their online accounts, avoid responding to text messages from unfamiliar phone numbers and exercise caution when sharing images online. Authorities also warn that suspects can use explicit images to extort victims into sending additional money.

For investment opportunities, police recommend avoiding platforms or financial arrangements offered by people who are not known to the investor.

The crypto scam reported in Kingsville remains under investigation, and the supplied report does not identify any arrests or charges connected to the case.

The OPP has not disclosed whether investigators have identified the online suspect or determined where the funds went.

Story; CBC Radio/Canada