Vancouver victims lose nearly $ 2 million in cryptocurrency scams in one week – BC

Vancouver police are warning the public about what they call a “scary” rise in the number of cryptocurrencies – or digital currencies – scams.

Police said Friday that the increase has led to local victims losing nearly $ 2 million cumulatively in one week alone.

Const. Tania Visintin told the VPD that investigators believe this type of crime is under-reported because the victims often feel embarrassed or ashamed, making them unwilling to come to terms with it. forward.

“Predators often exploit two strong human emotions – greed and love,” Visintin said. “Victims are usually lured in by the idea that they will be part of a financial opportunity to or in other cases, they favor a friend or a romantic interest. “

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Police are warning of a bitcoin scam

Visintin said that these deceptions are very difficult to investigate and that the chances of identifying a suspect are low because they are often based abroad and hide their identities through intrusive, inaccessible private networks ( VPNs).

Police want to remind everyone who may be suspicious of personal money transfers to ask someone they have met online to call their local police department.