The Wellington County OPP say a victim in Wellington North has lost $500,000 in a fraud. Police say that over a period of six months, the victim invested the money in a fraudulent online crypto currency investment firm.
The Wellington County OPP encouraged residents to always due preliminary checks before making any investment in or with a company.
They also provided tips from the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre.
- Prior to investing, ask for information on the investment
- Research the team behind the offering and analyse the feasibility of the project
- Verify if investment companies are registered with provincial securities agency or the National Registration Search Tool
- Be wary of individuals met on dating sites or social media who attempt to educate and convince you to invest
- If you receive a suspicious message from a trusted friend, reach out to them through a different means of communication to confirm that it is them.
They add that an employee from a financial institution would also be able to provide guidance when it comes to legitimate investment platforms.