Kingston Police say that several individuals are being contacted by fraudsters, who claim to be employees from the Canada Border Services Agency and demanding money.
On November 2, a victim called the Police and reported that she has just been defrauded $30,000 in funds.
The victim had received a phone call from an individual who allegedly worked for the CBSA. This fraudster convinced her that her account was being seized as a result of drugs, fake Identifications and fraudulent accounts being opened in her name. She was then told that the investigation was ongoing and local Police would be following up with her at a later date.
The fraudster continued to communicate with the victim by email and provided instructions on how to use their “safeguard machines.” The victim was told to avoid informing the bank tellers so the large withdrawal would not interfere with the investigation.
The victim transferred the entirety of her savings. It was determined after the transfers were completed that the “safeguard machines” the suspects were referring to were in fact Bitcoin machines.
Following these events the victim received a call from an officer identifying themselves as Sgt. Marshall with the Kingston Police and that the caller ID appeared as Kingston Police with the correct telephone number. This technique is called “Spoofing.”
The victim became suspicious after Sgt. Marshall reprimanded her for asking legitimate questions and accused her of not cooperating with their serious investigation.
When the victim contacted the Kingston Police herself. she finally realized that she had been a victim of a telephone scam.
There are currently no suspects in this incident and the Kingston Police are reminding the Community that at no time will the Kingston Police, Canada Border Services, or any Financial Institution will call you and ask you for personal information or to send money, especially via a Cryptocurrency.
This article was originally sourced by Kingston Police.
