NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE
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BRADFORD - A 30-year-old Bradford woman says she was a victim of the Canada Revenue Agency scam but a bigger loss was averted by a warning posted on a BitCoin machine.
The woman told police she received an automated message on her cell phone telling her to pay a fee for outstanding taxes or she would be arrested. She called the number provided and spoke with the so-called CRA 'agent' who demanded $2,500 or she would face jail. The man said a down payment would stop the process and send instructions to send the cash from a BitCoin terminal. She was to stay on the phone and follow his instructions.
The victim took a taxi to Barrie and a convenience store that had a BitCoin machine. She sent $200 to start. Then she noticed a warning posted on the machine that cautioned customers that the CRA does not use BitCoin for payment. If the transaction is for CRA then it is a fraud, the warning said. The woman then told the man on the phone that this was a fraud upon which he promptly hung up.
This could have been much worse if not for the warning sign and police are glad the victim didn't lose more money. South Simcoe Police Service wants to remind the public about our Fraud Intervention Initiative at dozens of retailers in Innisfil and Bradford. We have posted warning signs at gift card kiosks and checkout counters in a bid to avert people from being scammed.
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