In 2023, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reports that Canadian victims lost more than $554 million to fraud– millions more than in 2022. Yukon RCMP want people to be aware that fraudsters and cybercriminals are also targeting Yukoners. Since the beginning of 2022, cryptocurrency frauds reported in Yukon are close to reaching one million dollars.
Here are some examples of crypto fraud trends being reported in the Yukon:
- Investors either identify an investment website or are contacted through various pretenses (for example, a social media account appearing to be a friend, or a dating website where a person encourages them to invest in crypto);
- Victim is contacted by an "advisor" from a website they visited, who seems very caring and personable;
- Investment opportunity offers higher than normal returns;
- Investors are convinced to download an app such as "Anydesk", which gives the "advisor" control of their computer;
- Victim downloads crypto trading platform (often fraudulent and controlled by suspect) with help of advisor, provides personal information including driver's license photo;
- Over time, victim watches their investment grow on the fraudulent website;
- When victim wants to withdraw funds, they are told they have to pay taxes on their gains and other fees before they can withdraw – they send more money;
- When victim eventually realizes they have been defrauded, they are approached by another "third party" (also part of the scam), who offers to recover their money for an additional fee.
Police recommend first do your research. Always verify that the organization you might want to deal with is legitimate before taking any other action. Visit the CAFC for more information on how to protect yourself from scams.
If you or someone you know is a victim of a fraud, contact your local police service to report the crime and also report it to the CAFC online or toll-free at 1-888-495-8501. If a financial loss did not occur, still report it to the CAFC.