Fraud Alert: Bitcoin extortion scam surfaces in Richmond

richmond.rcmp.ca

2024-09-27 13:27 PDT

File # 2024-29775

Richmond RCMP is warning the public following reports of a Bitcoin extortion scam targeting Richmond residents, part of a larger trend across the Lower Mainland.

In all three reported cases, the fraudster contacted victims through social media platform, demanding approximately $2000 in Bitcoin. The scammers threatened to release personal information—such as victims’ full address, phone number, occupation, and compromising photos—if the ransom was not paid. In some cases, images of what appears to be victims’ residences were also included in the extortion message.

These frauds are extremely distressing because they involve legitimate personal information that scammers have obtained, says Corporal Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer. Thankfully, all of the victims recognized the scam and did not pay. However, with the sensitive nature of the information, it’s easy to see how someone could fall prey to such tactics.

Richmond RCMP offers the following tips to help protect against online scams:

• Familiarize yourself with social media privacy settings, and consider limiting who has access to your personal information (i.e. friends list, location);
• Be skeptical of unexpected messages, especially those that attempt to pressure or scare you;
• Don’t comply with any threats;
• Cease all communication with the individual if you suspect fraud;
• Deactivate (but do not permanently delete) any accounts used to communication with the fraudster;
• Report the incident to police.

To learn more about fraud trends in Canada and ways to protect yourself visit the Canada Anti-Fraud Centre website.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

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