A couple in their 80s is out $17,000 after falling victim to a Bitcoin scam, St. Thomas police say.
The couple believed they had purchased $250 worth of the cryptocurrency from a verified online site based in England in January. Four months later, they were informed that investment had grown to over $17,000.
They were then instructed to download an app onto their computer and input their banking information so the cash could be transferred into their bank account.
The money was never sent and soon cash began disappearing from the account.
Each time, the victims were told the missing money was withdrawn from the account to cover processing fees.
The couple determined they were being scammed and called police.
Police are using the incident as a reminder to the public to be vigilant when it comes to protecting yourself and your money.
“Talk to your family about scams today. Watch for the red flags…..if it sounds too good to be true it probably is,” police said.
More information about regularly circulating scams can be found on the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
