Fraud Education

Emotions are targeted with promises of love and happiness with a person who has typically presented themselves as an attractive, younger person with a professional job.

They generally reach out directly on social media platforms, dating sites or special interest online forums.

• You have never met in person, but they make ongoing promises of an ideal life together
• Ongoing requests for money (typically, starting low and escalating)
• They provide their wallet address (a QR Code) and coach you what to say if the Bitcoin company asks
• Direct messaged you over social media
• They communicate exclusively through email, texts, or phone calls – you have never seen them in person or a live video chat (they do not show their face only pictures)
• Flight delays persist that prevent a promised meeting due to a family emergency, immigration delay, etc.
• Phone numbers may be blocked (note: numbers may be masked to show your region)

Romance-related fraudulent activity is the most common scenario we encounter. Large online call centres exist in foreign countries that solely target individuals by scouring the internet and social media channels. They are very convincing and will continue contact until money is no longer sent.

Money is deposited directly to the job-seeker’s bank account with the illusion that it is part of the job.

They typically reach out on an online job site, followed by direct messages on social media, texts, emails or phone calls.

• Employer insists on receiving a Bitcoin payment to continue with employment
• Employer sends funds to a personal bank account in order to complete employment contract signing (this may be positioned as a hiring bonus)
• Jobseekers are prompted not to wait for the clearing period before sending Bitcoin payment

Currently, these scenarios are on the rise due to the increase in unemployment. Remote work is common so not meeting an employer face-to-face is not uncommon. An employer will always provide all the means to be successful in day-to-day work and Bitcoin should never be sent to an employer to begin working for them.

Fear is instilled that there will be an arrest if they do not follow instructions.

A fraudulent “CRA Agent” calls random mobile phone numbers seeking out potential opportunities.

• The call is initiated by a robot, connecting to a human afterwards. Personal information is gathered, such as name, address, SIN, line of credit and how much money is in the person’s bank account
• The fake agent does not allow the call to be ended until the transaction complete
• The fake agent is reassuring and insists they are there to help – they may provide a badge number or other information to lead the belief that they are legitimate

Government agencies do not accept Bitcoin as a payment measure. The CRA or any government agency will never contact individuals to insist on immediate payment or emptying a personal bank account for preventive measures. No one has control of a Bitcoin wallet addresses they did not personally create, so money will go directly to a third party in this instance.

Not everyone easily detects that a shipping company is fake or realizes that they are paying in Bitcoin if they are unfamiliar with cryptocurrency.

Once someone believes a package is being mailed to them, a fake shipping company will get in touch regarding fake custom charges. After successfully accomplishing this scheme once, they may attempt to be in contact again with instruction to send more to pay off additional charges afterwards.

• A QR code is sent and the fraudster states that credit cards or other methods of payment cannot be used – only Bitcoin
• The shipping company has a fake website with no way to contact them directly

It is exceedingly rare for a shipping company to accept Bitcoin for payment, and Customs does not accept Bitcoin as payment. If the “shipping company” has a website that contains simple mistakes (spelling/grammar/design flaws), it is likely fake.

The rental property seems too good to be true with cheap rent, a quick move-in date, no tenancy agreement needed, etc.

Listings will appear on sites like Craigslist/Kijiji/Facebook Marketplace and further communication may continue by text or direct messages.

• There is no in-person viewing of the rental and no potential to view until deposit is paid
• There is aggressive language or legal action is threatened if money is not sent in Bitcoin
• There is no signed tenancy agreement in writing prior to making the deposit

All rental properties should have a tenancy agreement. Renters should always view a place in-person before signing up to live in it, and never pay for rent/deposits in Bitcoin to someone they have not met in person.

The listings are on legitimate websites and documentation which appears to be authentic may be provided.

Real sites are used such as Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay.

• The vehicle is usually priced much lower than the average price of the model
• They use direct messages, texts and calls to communicate and do not meet in person
• Confirmed Scam: Documents are sent by “eBay Motors” to convey how to purchase/pay for a deposit for a vehicle with Bitcoin

Do not pay for a vehicle without viewing/test driving it to ensure it is in working order. Websites such as Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay do not offer buyer protection if payment is made in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.

The potential to make money quickly is a strong motivator.

Connections can be made through Facebook, Instagram, chat groups, investment forums, email, or other social platforms.

• Promises of very high returns or income and making money fast Overseas offices, no listed addresses, promotional websites without information about location, risk, or insurance
• Overly aggressive or very personable sales tactics
• Advertising “no-risk”, “High Yield Investment Programs”, “ACT NOW” or other pushy/flashy marketing
• There is a prompt to recruit friends, or friends keep sending you the same investment program (they are likely paid or will be if you sign up)
• Person reaching out poses as being wealthy, influential or pretends to be a real CEO, political, investor or celebrity
• Constant spam messages, emails, or phone calls

If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Do research before making any financial decision. Reach out to a licensed financial advisor or institution with any concerns.

The caller seems very convincing and typically has a threatening tone. People want to believe they are doing the right thing and getting caught up on their bills. They often target older citizens and immigrants.

Frequent phone calls come from call centres, “robot” dialers or emails.

• Threats to cut your power or service
• Caller or email doesn’t have full information about your account
• Unusual payment methods such as gift cards, Bitcoin or asking for a credit card over the phone
• The phone number goes to a different person or company when called back
• Email comes from an odd address (ex. 1239823n@gmx.com or hydro123@gmail.com)
• Using different phone numbers, masking or “spoofing” a number to appear it comes from a real company
• A recording plays once call is answered

No service provider will cut off a customer immediately or on first notice of late or missed payment. Customers generally have 30 – 90 days to make payments, usually with fees or interest on overdue bills. Beware of official looking email or phone numbers, as incoming phone numbers can appear as the real number. Hang up the phone and log into online accounts or reach out to a company’s official support to get clarity on any outstanding bills.

People who pose as an immigration officer prey on the emotions of immigrants’ desire to stay in Canada by threatening their visa status or attempting to entice them to take measures to get a visa right away.

A call or email will be received by someone who has applied for or already received a visa.

• Email starting with “Dear customer/client” and/or is sent from a private host eg: Gmail, Hotmail
• Asking to confirm your personal or financial information
• Threats to your immigration status
• Requests of quick action as it is a time sensitive matter, or advising to act quickly to get a special circumstances visa
• Offering a special deal or exclusive visa that seems too good to be true

The Canadian government will never ask somebody to pay in Bitcoin. The IRCC will not ask individuals to confirm personal information or collect money over the phone and will only email using a gc.ca address (eg. madame.lastname@gc.ca). There is no easy way to speed up the process of getting a visa, and no one can guarantee visa status except for government officials.

Fear can lead to a person making an irrational, impulsive decision so they will aim to shock a person into fear and then use a kind tone to offer help.

Generally, this begins with a phone call with an automated voice and connects to a real person afterwards.

• Offering a discounted rate for their service
• Claims that charges can stay a secret by using them as a lawyer
• Not providing documentation of the charges/their legal fee structure or an invoice
• A call begins with an automated message to discuss legal matter with you
• Pressure to pay a fee for a lawyer you have not met

Real lawyers will not accept Bitcoin as payment. Lawyers will not contact you about charges against you and not require a fee to begin legal services. The legal process takes time and there is no up-front rush to pay a fee in a legal case that would justify this type of approach.

An emotional bond and attachment are formed by consistent chatting, and strong efforts are made to build the illusion of a strong relationship before requesting financial help.

Generally, Facebook, Instagram or dating sites/apps will be used to make a connection.

• A person you haven’t met is asking for money
• They are falling “in love” quickly and in a fast-moving relationship
• They may have asked about your financial information
• The person is asking you personal information such as your full name, where you live, and other possible security answer questions for your email/social accounts
• They offer an elaborate story explaining how they contracted COVID and how they cannot pay hospital fees.

Real lawyers will not accept Bitcoin as payment. Lawyers will not contact you about charges against you and not require a fee to begin legal services. The legal process takes time and there is no up-front rush to pay a fee in a legal case that would justify this type of approach.

People are naturally in awe of celebrities and are inclined to believe that personal details and pictures about the celebrity are authentic. A flirty bond is often initiated in order to form an emotional, trusting connection.

This almost exclusively occurs online on dating websites or lookalike social media accounts with the fake celebrity initiating conversation.

• Flirty or suggestive messages/pictures
• Asking to remain discreet about the relationship
• Asking for money
• The relationship moves quickly
• Celebrity initiating conversation using a pseudonymous name or account

Real lawyers will not force you to send Bitcoin as payment. Lawyers will not contact you about charges against you and not require a fee to begin legal services. The legal process takes time and there is no up-front rush to pay a fee in a legal case that would justify this type of approach.