Frauds and Scams

Reports have been received where the victim comes across internet postings or postings on social media regarding Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency investment opportunities. In all cases, these postings promise high returns for investing.

The suspect directs the victim to purchase Bitcoin or other crypto-currency and then transfer it into a "trading account”. In reality, the victim transfers their Bitcoin into the suspect’s own crypto currency wallet where the funds disappear, and the victim no longer has access to these funds. In some cases, the suspect will have the victim allow them access to their computer or cell phone thru a screen sharing application. The suspect then gains access to the victim’s computer or cell phone where they are now able to transfer funds out of the victim’s accounts.

Reports have been received where the victim signs up for an online investment opportunity. The victim is directed to complete a sign-up form where they are asked for personal and identity information including bank account number, online banking passwords, date of birth, driver’s license number, social insurance number and phone number. The suspect then uses this information to access the victim’s bank account and transfer funds away from the victim.

Brantford Police Service are aware of ongoing scam phone calls involving persons claiming to be from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). This scam involves a threat to individuals for payment of a fictitious debt to avoid arrest. The victim is often asked to repay their false debt by wire transfer, cyber-based currency or with the purchase of gift cards. 

This scam often involves the use of technology which can cause a phone display to show a local telephone number, or a Brantford Police Service registered phone number. This technique is called "spoofing”. Caller ID spoofing allows fraudsters to disguise their calls and make them appear to represent a legitimate organization. Do not trust what is showing on your phone’s caller ID display. If you suspect a company or government agency is seeking personal information or money fraudulently, contact them directly to verify the validity of the request.

Residents are advised to be cautious of such scams and to be advised that no such calls are being made from any phone number associated with the Brantford Police Service.

Members of the Canadian Revenue Agency will not call you and ask for your banking information while threatening your arrest. The Canadian Revenue Agency does not accept e-transfers or wire payments for any fees or services. The CRA never uses text messages or instant messaging such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to communicate with taxpayers. Any text or instant message claiming to be from the CRA is a scam.

The Canadian Revenue Agency can be reached at 1-800-959-8281, or you can monitor "My Account” online at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/scrty/frdprvntn/menu-eng.html  

The Brantford Police Service have received reports of online buy and sell scams. In these cases, the buyer responds to an ad posted online for the sale of an item or, occasionally, a pet. In cases involving animals, the seller will frequently request that payment be transferred electronically and will often request an e-transfer for a deposit to hold the item or for additional costs to cover items such as shipping or pet insurance. Often the items are never received by the buyer.

Brantford Police Service would like to remind the public to be vigilant while responding to email requests to send money or when shopping online on buy and sell sites for items. 

The following safety tips should be considered when making purchases online:

• DO NOT send a deposit or full payment without seeing the item.
• Be sure to verify the legitimacy of the seller
• Make purchases from known breeders or suppliers.
• Trust your instincts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.
• When in doubt, consult police or someone you trust before sending funds.

This scam involves elderly persons being contacted, and is advised that a family member - usually a grandchild - has been arrested in a foreign country, needs medical attention, or is in need of car repairs far from home. The caller requests money to be wired to some location in the world in aid of the family member. This scam is designed to make the elderly person panic and wire the money. We recommend potential victims to contact their family members directly and make attempts to verify the validity of the claim.

Sexting involves the sharing of sexually explicit photos, videos, or messages with another person by phone or computer, or engaging in intimate encounters online.

Sexting material can be used to exploit, bully, and blackmail people, say police.

Sextortion is when someone threatens to send your sexually explicit photo, video, or message to others if you don’t provide them with more sexual content or financial compensation.

It is illegal for an adult to distribute any intimate image of another adult without that person’s consent.

Sharing a sexually explicit image of a child is always illegal.

Sextortion cases often remain unreported because of the sensitive nature of the images. The victim may often be too embarrassed to file a report. Youth may also be hesitant to seek adult assistance and will often comply with threats to try and manage the situation on their own.

Cybertip.ca reports a 150 per cent increase nationally in youth being sextorted between December 2021 and May 2022, with an average of 168 incidents reported per month.

Although it can be very difficult to lay charges and track down those responsible in these types of crimes, we still advise anyone who has experienced this to report it as soon as possible.