Suspects have been blackmailing victims into promoting a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns
NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
*************************
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police echo the following words of advice of ongoing schemes affecting community members from our partners at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has received reports of scammers gaining control of Instagram accounts. Suspects blackmail victims to record themselves promoting fake cryptocurrency platforms in order to regain access to their account.
Scammers are sending phishing emails with fraudulent links for fake Instagram login pages; this allows scammers to steal account credentials. Once an account is taken over, suspects blackmail victims to record a video of themselves promoting fake cryptocurrency platforms.
Suspects advise victims that this is the only way they can recover their account. After the video is recorded, it is posted on the victim’s social media accounts with a link for their followers to make a fraudulent investment. Victims will never recover their social media account and their followers are at risk of losing their funds if they invest through the fraudulent cryptocurrency platform.
Warning signs and how to protect yourself:
- Do not click links or download attachments in text messages or e-mails as these can contain viruses or malware.
- Beware of fraudulent cryptocurrency…
