- Crypto scams erupt across Calgary, with over $3 Million stolen so far as scammers cash in on the crypto craze.
- Scammers swarm social media and dating apps, luring in victims with promises of huge returns that are too good to be true.
- Experts plead with all Calgary residents to exercise extreme caution with any crypto investment offers online and thoroughly vet brokers before sending money.
Cryptocurrency scams are exploding in Calgary, leaving many residents feeling fooled and out of hard-earned money. Reports of these underhanded scams have skyrocketed, with losses already surpassing all of last year. Scammers are flocking to social media and dating sites, spaces where people tend to let their guard down. They reel in potential victims with tantalizing promises of big returns if they just invest in their cryptocurrency platform or transfer funds to a digital wallet. But it’s all a ruse to siphon savings. With cryptocurrencies still unfamiliar to many, experts are urgently warning Calgary residents to be cautious of any investment offers that sound too good to be true.
Reports of Crypto Scams Skyrocket in Calgary
Calgary police report an explosion of cryptocurrency fraud reports this year, with over $3 Million lost just between January and July 2022. This dwarfs the under $2 million stolen in all of 2021. Authorities say most cases start with victims being contacted via social media or dating profiles and duped into transferring funds or investing in sham crypto platforms. The scammers dangle promises of huge returns, but victims never see a penny back. These crypto coins are surging as cryptocurrencies become more mainstream.
How Are Scammers Flooding Social Media to Find Victims?
According to the police, the surge in crypto scams traces back to perpetrators flocking to social media and dating sites, spaces where people let their guard down. Scammers befriend or romance victims online, building trust before making their fraudulent investment pitches. Dating apps and sites have proven fertile hunting grounds, with scammers not even needing to create real profiles. Scammers slip into comment sections or direct messages on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to target victims. With so much social activity online today, the pool of potential targets has expanded.
Experts caution about any crypto investment opportunities promoted online or on dating profiles. They recommend verifying licenses, reading reviews, and being wary of pressure to act fast or guarantee high returns. While Bitcoin grabs headlines, no crypto investment pitched online can be trusted. Residents should steer clear of unregulated coins and shady platforms.
Wrap-Up (Summary)
As cryptocurrencies keep rising, more scheming scammers are launching sly cons to profit off people’s lack of crypto knowledge. Calgary is seeing an explosion of these scams, with millions swindled and folks feeling duped. The scammers are swarming social media and dating sites, spinning tempting tales to pilfer savings. With reports still flooding in, officials are sounding the alarm for all Calgary residents to keep their scam radars on high alert.
Treat any crypto investment offers made online with intense skepticism, especially from dating profiles. Thoroughly vet all platforms and brokers first before even considering investing a cent. Trust those gut feelings if something seems fishy. Staying vigilant and asking questions will be key to avoiding becoming the next victim as these crafty crypto crooks keep flooding the web. While there are big returns in crypto, the risks are ever bigger—enter at your own risk.
