Nanaimo RCMP are warning residents after two people reported lost a total $20,000 in separate bitcoin scams within a 24-hour period earlier this week.
Two victims lose $20,000 to Bitcoin scams within a 24-hour period; Nanaimo RCMP
By Lisa Best
In the first incident on Wednesday, the victim told police he received a phone call from a man with a 'strong south Asian accent' who identified himself as a police officer.
He said the victim’s identity had been compromised and he needed to send a percentage of his assets to the suspect for safekeeping.
The victim was told to deposit $13,000 to a bitcoin machine in the Woodgrove Centre.
Also Wednesday, another man reported getting an email from "US Digital Cellular", claiming he was eligible to receive a refund for $849.
He was told he first had to complete a questionnaire.
After completing it, he was advised there was an error, and the company had incorrectly sent him $4800.
He was asked to send the extra money back via bitcoin.
To learn more about bitcoin scams check out The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.