Cryptocurrency scams reported in Kincardine and Huron-Kinloss

(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) - The South Bruce OPP has received two additional reports of fraud involving cryptocurrency.

March 5, a resident of Huron-Kinloss reported a loss of $4,000 by means of cryptocurrency after receiving a pop-up advertisement on-line. The resident was led to believe the computer had been subject to a virus, and was instructed to transfer cryptocurrency in order to rectify the issues. The whole interaction was fraudulent.

March 6, a resident of Kincardine reported a loss of $11,000 by means of cryptocurrency after being involved in a fraudulent investment scheme. The resident sent funds to an overseas agency in hopes of building a cryptocurrency investment, but soon after, learned it was a scam when the victim was not able to withdraw funds, and continually encouraged to send more money.

These incidents mark the seventh reported cryptocurrency-related frauds in South Bruce OPP jurisdiction for 2025.

We urge residents to be cautious when engaging in digital currency transactions and investments. Scammers often use fraudulent documents marked with logos and wording that can appear legitimate, which leads victims down a path of surrendering personal information and banking details under the belief they are conversing with a legitimate source.

If you receive any documentation that appears suspicious to your situation, contact the company or financial institution in person or directly by a number you know to be the company’s; not the phone number or E-mail the document advises to do, as it could be fraudulent.

For more information on fraud, you can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca.

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.