Brantford police are warning residents to be extra vigilant after a rise in reported scams.
Police say there have been a number of ongoing scams recently reported including phishing scams, CRA scams and Bitcoin and investment scams.
In a phishing scam, a victim signs up for an online investment opportunity. The victim is directed to complete a sign-up form where they are asked for personal information including a bank account number, online banking passwords, date of birth, driver’s license number, social insurance number and phone number. The scammer then uses this information to access the victim’s bank account and transfer funds into their own account.
In an investment scam, the victim comes across internet postings or postings on social media regarding cryptocurrency investment opportunities. In all cases, these postings promise high returns for investing. The scammer directs the victim to purchase Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency and then transfer it into a “trading account”. However, the victim is actually transferring their Bitcoin into the scammer’s own cryptocurrency wallet where the funds disappear, and the victim no longer has access. In some cases, police say the suspect will have the victim give them access to their computer or cell phone thru a screen-sharing application. The suspect then gains access to the victim’s computer or cell phone where they are now able to transfer funds out of the victim’s accounts.
Brantford Police…
