VicPD have issued a warning to the public regarding “task-based” scams after a local resident suffered significant financial losses.
Police received a report on June 27th after a resident had been targeted by a fraudulent scheme that began in May.
The resident was allegedly contacted via text message by someone claiming to be a company recruiter. They were directed to a website and a cryptocurrency application and they were provided a small amount of money.
The scam began to escalate, with the victim being asked to complete tasks that involved online reviews and investments with promises of reimbursement and commission.
After the victim had invested a significant amount of money, the resident realized it was a scam.
In light of this incident, police are urging the public to avoid unsolicited offers and to avoid investing any money based on instructions from a stranger online.
Fraudsters will often pressure their victims to make quick decisions and ask for payment in cryptocurrency, which is difficult to trace.
“If someone asks you to pay upfront in cryptocurrency or pressures you to act quickly, do not comply, it is a scam,” a VicPD media release reads.
“Once money or cryptocurrency has been sent, recovery is often impossible.”
If you suspect fraud and/or suspicious activity, contact your local police and financial institution immediately. The sooner they’re involved, the better chance they have of tracing the funds.
You can learn more about protecting yourself and others from fraud on VicPD’s website.
Additionally, If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of an attempted fraud, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or make a report online.
