A county resident reported to the OPP last week that they had been the victim of a scam involving a cryptocurrency conversion worth $17,000.

That fraud follows fast on the heels of another earlier this summer, when a resident found themselves out a “substantial” amount of money after being told they had won the lottery.

Both were victims of fraudsters.

Prince Edward OPP are warning local residents that scammers are targeting this community and that they should protect themselves, their savings and their bank information at all times.

In the first attack, someone claiming to work in the fraud department of the victim’s bank called and instructed them to deposit money into a local cryptocurrency ATM.

The individual was then told to purchase gift cards. A staff member at the Rexall store in Picton stopped the purchase and prevented the victim from losing even more money. They then asked the victim to call the police. The OPP thanks local store employees for being vigilant of gift card sales as, “it makes a difference,” Constable Miller added.

The scam involving the fake lottery claim was reported August 21.

The victim was advised they had won the lottery. A fraudster convinced the supposed lottery winner to provide money in a variety of forms, resulting in what police called a “substantial” loss.

The suspect is believed to have visited the victim’s house to obtain the funds, as well as called local taxi companies. An investigation, which involves the crime unit, is ongoing.

“There may be more victims of this organized scam. Anyone who has lost money because of a fraud is encouraged to report it to police at 1-888-310-1122,” said acting East Region Media Coordinator Provincial Constable Aaron Miller.

Community Services officer Constable Aaron Miller said scam artists are clever and “will often have an answer for any question.”

To protect yourself, do not be afraid to say no; do your research; do not give out personal information; ask for credentials and know who you are dealing with. Finally, if it seems too good to be true, it is.

Fraudsters often target the vulnerable. Share this information with those you know. Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for more information.

-Staff

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