24.53°C Vancouver

May 10, 2021 5:34 PM -

More than half-a-million dollars lost to fraud in Surrey since January

Share On
more-than-half-a-million-dollars-lost-to-fraud-in-surrey-since-january
Surrey RCMP is reminding the public to be aware of investment scams after a persistent number of reports throughout 2021. (Photo - Surrey RCMP/Twitter)

Surrey RCMP is reminding the public to be aware of investment scams after a persistent number of reports throughout 2021.

Since January 2021, Surrey RCMP have received 59 reports of fraud involving crypto currency totaling approximately $612,748 lost by unsuspecting victims.

The most commonly reported fraud still remains CRA / Police scams which accounted for 25 of the total reports. The scams usually involve fraudsters attempting to pass themselves off as someone in authority. They may impersonate a police officer or an employee of a business, financial institution or government agency such as the CRA.

The most significant financial losses have resulted from scams related cryptocurrency investments and linked accounts being compromised which totaled $375,200.

A number of the frauds related to Cryptocurrency investments involved victims that willingly transferring funds to unverified sources for the purpose of purchasing Cryptocurrency, most commonly Bitcoin. On multiple occasions victims have interacted with strangers online who suggested the victim download an application to purchase Bitcoin which is later determined to be fraudulent.

Your best defense against becoming a victim is knowledge and awareness. If you choose to purchase any kind of Cryptocurrency, ensure that you use a major trading platform or online exchange. Be aware that Cryptocurrencies are not insured and if your money is stolen, you will not be reimbursed, says Cst. Brad Charpentier of Economic Cybercrime Section.

This is a reminder for everyone to be vigilant, don’t provide your personal information to people who call, email or text you. Use strong passwords and security questions on your email and all online accounts.

Signs of a scam

• Unsolicited phone call, email or text.

• Urgent or threatening language used.

• Request for personal information such as name, address, birthdate, social insurance number, credit card or banking information.

• Serious unfounded claims such as: you will be arrested, a warrant has been issued for your arrest, a lawsuit has been filed against you, you are getting a refund, or you will be deported.

• Demand for payment by e-transfer, pre-paid credit card, gift cards, or online currency (ex. Bitcoin).

• Unknown persons in a chat room suggesting you download a specific app for purchasing Cryptocurrency.

• Unknown persons requesting you invest in their business using Cryptocurrency.

Latest news

prime-minister-mark-carney-has-faced-his-first-question-period-in-the-house-of-commons
CanadaMay 28, 2025

PM Carney takes questions for the first time in the House of Commons

Prime Minister Mark Carney has faced his first question period in the House of Commons. Carney is among the roughly one-third of the M-Ps in the House of Commons who were elected in April. Today, PM Carney faced some questions at the hands of interim opposition leader Andrew Scheer. It's also the first time presiding over question period for newly-elected Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre (PWAH'-lee-ehv) is absent from the House of Commons after failing to win re-election in his riding.
above-seasonal-temperatures-for-b-c-reaching-mid-30s-in-interior
BCMay 28, 2025

Above seasonal temperatures for B.C., reaching mid 30s in Interior

Warm temperatures have arrived across much of British Columbia, with Environment Canada issuing a special weather statement in the North Thompson. It says "above seasonal temperatures" are expected throughout the day in the Interior region where a ridge of high pressure is ushering in warm air from the south. The bulletin says that air will linger throughout the day, causing temperatures to rise to more than 30C, before cooler air arrives Thursday, lowering temperatures to near seasonal values. Temperatures are meanwhile expected to hit 24C in Vancouver, 23C in Victoria and 30C in Abbotsford,
b-c-wildfire-service-announces-ban-on-most-open-fires-in-coastal-areas
BCMay 28, 2025

B.C. Wildfire Service announces ban on most open fires in coastal areas

The BC Wildfire Service has announced open fire bans that will prohibit most burning activities in most coastal areas of the province, with exceptions for Haida Gwaii. The ban on Category 2 and Category 3 open fires in the Coastal Fire Centre comes into effect at noon Friday, and the service says it's being imposed to reduce the risk of wildfires. The service says the ban will remain in place until Oct. 31 or until it is rescinded. Category 1 campfires that are no more than half a metre high by half a metre wide will still be allowed, as well as cooking stoves. The bans cover west of the Coast
oilers-win-game-4-push-dallas-stars-on-brink-of-elimination
CanadaMay 28, 2025

Oilers win game 4, push Dallas Stars on brink of elimination

The Edmonton Oilers are just one victory away from clinching the N-H-L's Western Conference playoff series and moving on to a second straight appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. After dropping the series opener to the Dallas Stars, the Oilers have won the last three games, including last night's 4-1 victory before hometown fans at Rogers Place. Edmonton could send the Stars packing with a Game-5 win tomorrow night in Texas.Tonight, the defending champion Florida Panthers will try to wrap up the Eastern final tonight as they take a 3-1 lead into Game 5 against the host Carolina Hurricanes.
defence-minister-says-cost-of-trumps-proposed-missile-defence-project-still-unknown
CanadaMay 28, 2025

Defence minister says cost of Trump's proposed missile defence project still unknown

Defence Minister David McGuinty says that Canada still doesn't know what it would cost to join U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed "Golden Dome" missile defence program. On Tuesday, in a social media post, Trump said it would cost Canada $61 billion to join as a sovereign country but nothing at all if it became a U.S. state. Trump claimed that Canada is "considering the offer." When asked about Trump's comments, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he won't negotiate in public. Trump announced plans for a complex missile defence system modelled after Israel's "Iron Dome" earlier this month and c

Related News