Calgary police say there have been 340 reported cryptocurrency scams so far this year, up from 321 reported for all of 2022.Fraud investigators are warning people about the dangers of cryptocurrency scams, which continue to ensnare Calgarians at a growing rate. Calgarians have lost more than $22.5 million from 340 reported cryptocurrency scams so far this year, with many people lured in by the false prospect of high returns, police say.
Police say while the majority of cryptocurrency is legitimate, "it is also a deregulated marketplace and has, at times, been used by scammers as a form of payment connected to various frauds."Scammers are posing as Calgary officers to steal thousands of dollars, police warn Scammers also pursue victims with the promise of employment opportunities or romance. Some pose as financial institutions or government agencies, threatening penalties if money isn't paid.
Calgary police said there are things to keep in mind in evaluating whether something is a crypto scam.