Guelph Man Scammed Twice: Police Issue Warning
A resident of Guelph, Ontario, has fallen victim to a scam for the second time, prompting local authorities to issue a warning to the public about the importance of being cautious when conducting business, particularly online. The victim, a man in his 60s, had previously lost a staggering $750,000 in a cryptocurrency fraud. On Friday, he went to the police to report another scam, this time for $12,000. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the need to exercise extreme vigilance when dealing with unfamiliar entities online.
Guelph Man Loses $12,000 in Latest Scam
The Guelph man, already devastated by his previous substantial loss, found himself entangled in another financial fraud. The victim claims he was contacted by an individual promising to help him recover his lost funds. In order to proceed, the scammer requested the victim to download an app and create an account with an online financial institution. Tragically, this app allowed the fraudster to gain control over the victim’s cellphone. As a result, the man lost $12,000, which was siphoned from his accounts through a series of transactions over the course of late December and early January.
Victim’s Phone Compromised by Fraudster
The Guelph man’s unfortunate situation unfolded when he unknowingly downloaded an app that ultimately granted the scammer full control over his cellphone. This alarming development enabled the perpetrator to exploit the victim’s trust and siphon off $12,000 from multiple transactions conducted over a short period of time. This incident highlights the cunning tactics employed by scammers and underscores the need for individuals to exercise caution, particularly when it comes to sharing personal information or downloading unfamiliar applications.
Police Investigate Second Revictimization Case
This recent scam is not an isolated incident in Guelph. In fact, it marks the second time that a victim of fraud has been revictimized in the area. Just a month before, a woman lost over $70,000 in a very similar scam. She initially thought she was investing in cryptocurrency, only to be contacted by someone claiming to help her recover the lost funds. Falling for this second scam resulted in her losing even more money, further emphasizing the need for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited offers of assistance.
Protect Yourself: Police Offer Tips to Avoid Scams
Detective Scott Tracey, a spokesperson for the Guelph Police Service, urges individuals to be cautious in their interactions with unknown parties, particularly those who initiate contact themselves. He advises people to familiarize themselves with the intricacies of cryptocurrency and to approach any potential investment opportunities with caution. Detective Tracey advises the public to take every precaution necessary to protect themselves, including verifying the authenticity of email addresses and website links before engaging in any transactions. Additionally, he encourages people to consult provincial securities regulators or the National Registration Search Tool called AreTheyRegistered.ca to confirm the legitimacy of investment companies.
As Detective Tracey emphasizes, even emails that appear to be from friends should be approached with skepticism if they seem suspicious. Fraudsters often exploit compromised accounts, using them to target unsuspecting individuals. Detective Tracey acknowledges the skills scammers possess, making them all the more convincing in their deceitful schemes. He concludes by urging the public to exercise extra caution and vigilance when conducting online transactions to avoid falling victim to scams.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Police issue warning and provide tips to protect against scams.
Analysis: The market is likely to see an increase in caution among individuals conducting online transactions. This could lead to a decrease in the number of successful scams and a more vigilant public.
