BITCOIN ATM SCAMS ALERT 🚨
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
Fraudsters are increasingly using Bitcoin ATMs to scam victims. Scammers impersonate government officials, banks, or police and pressure people to withdraw cash and deposit into a Bitcoin ATM.
HOW THE SCAM WORKS:
Spoofed call: You receive a call pretending to be from CRA, ICBC, police or a bank.
Urgent threats: They claim you owe money or face arrest.
Cash withdrawal: They instruct you to withdraw cash from your bank.
Bitcoin ATM deposit: They send a QR code and coach you to deposit money into their Bitcoin wallet – stealing your funds!
RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
🚩 Pressure to act immediately
🚩Requests for payment through Bitcoin ATMs, e-transfers or gift cards
🚩Complex jargon or technical language
HOW TO STAY SAFE:
✅ Never share personal information
✅ Never make payments via Bitcoin ATMs
✅ Do your research and use only reputable cryptocurrency
HOW TO REPORT IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF THIS SCAM:
- Contact your local police department to make a report: 250-656-3931
- Report it to your bank and/or credit card company as soon as possible.
- Call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 to report.
- Monitor your credit score through Equifax Canada or Transunion Canada.
