File photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)
FRAUD INVESTIGATION

Salmon Arm woman loses $80,000 in online crypto scam

Dec 28, 2023 | 9:50 AM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — A woman in Salmon Arm is out $80,000 after falling victim to a crypto currency scam.

Earlier this month, Salmon Arm RCMP were alerted by the woman who followed an investing ad on Google.

“The woman was then contacted by a person that claimed to be a senior crypto-investing agent, who groomed the woman through conversation on WhatsApp into transferring $80,000 to their ‘website’,” reads the release from the Mounties.

Following the transfer, it’s believed the money was converted to Bitcoin and transferred to the fraudster.

“The complainant added that she allowed the investing agent access her computer remotely, which allowed the fraudster access to her computer and personal information,” continued the release.

The investigation remains active.

The Mounties highlighted, “Salmon Arm RCMP do not recommend sending e-transfers or money transfers to anyone you don’t know. Once an e-transfer is accepted by the recipient, it cannot be reversed.”