7 days ago
Quebec man charged after Calgary senior scammed out of more than $300K in crypto fraud
A Quebec man has been charged in relation to a cryptocurrency scam that resulted in a Calgary senior losing more than $300,000.
In June 2022, the senior was contacted by someone posing as her grandson. He said he had been in a vehicle collision and faced drug-related charges. He asked the victim to contact his lawyer, who was also part of the scam, and asked her to make daily payments to help him make bail and pay a lawyer.
Over six weeks, the victim was directed by the fake lawyer to deposit large amounts of money from her bank account into Bitcoin ATMs.
She made more than 300 deposits of in excess of $300,000.
The victim became suspicious over time and reported it to police.
Calgary police, working with its cybercrime and blockchain investigations team, launched an investigation and were able to identify a suspect who they believed was responsible.
In March 2023, Calgary police investigators, with help from the Longueuil police, executed search warrants at a home in Brossard, Que., and a Montreal business in relation to the incident.
As a result, earlier in July, Jeremy Rattray, a 34-year-old resident of Brossard, Que., was charged with one count of fraud over $5,000, one count of laundering the proceeds of crime and two counts of identity theft.
He's scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 12.
Police ask Calgarians to be on high alert for fraudsters and scammers.
'We continue to remind the public to be aware of cryptocurrency scams,' said Staff Sgt. Gary Novokowsky.
'Fraudsters are increasingly impersonating family members, lawyers or members of law enforcement agencies to manipulate victims, particularly seniors, into believing a loved one is in trouble,'
'If you receive a call asking you to withdraw funds or send money to unknown individuals, hang up and do not engage with the person.'
Anyone who has suffered a financial loss or had personal information compromised because of fraud can report it to police at 403-266-1234. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online or by downloading the P3 Tips app.
