Ontario Provincial Police in Norfolk County are investigating a scam involving $13.000 in Bitcoin with call spoofing technology

By Selena On Nov 21, 2020

Scams are always happening around the cryptocurrency market. And recently, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Norfolk County is investigating a $ 13,000 Bitcoin scam. This is still a classic form of phishing over the phone, asking for information and threatening victims to send Bitcoin.

Victim scammed of $ 13,000 in Bitcoin with call spoofing technology

The scam victim reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be Ontario Services said there was a problem with their Social Security Number. When the victim did not give the caller the full number, the caller said the police would call to discuss the matter further.

Immediately after hanging up, the victim received a call from a self-proclaimed OPP officer who identified himself as Marshall Officer at 417J2977. The number on the call screen indicates the incoming call from 519-426-3434, which is the actual number of the OPP Squad on Queensway West in Simcoe.

The victim went to a Bitcoin machine in London and sent about $ 13,000 to the caller. Soon after, they realized the call was a scam and contacted the police.

OPP is warning the public about scammers using call spoofing technology that allows call monitors to display their OPP’s or their emergency zero number as 1-888-310-1122. In some cases, the call screen is simply a notification, the Ontario Provincial Police.

Scammers tend to use Bitcoin or ask victims to transfer money or request gift cards for payment.

Popular Bitcoin scams

First, blackmail is the familiar form. The scammer sends a message or calls an individual, saying they have hacked into their computer and now have access. Scammers offer two options; Send Bitcoin or send nothing, and sensitive documents will be sent to their email contacts.

Next is impersonation. A fraudster calls saying they work for a government agency such as Canada Revenue Agency, a police agency, or a bank to gain the victim’s trust. They then ask victims to send money to secure their accounts or track down fraudulent transactions.

Gifts are the most costly scam. Because everyone wants to receive gifts. Scammers offer gifts of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in exchange for personal information.

We’d better be cautious when faced with any situation that requires sending money to that person!

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