Charges laid in cryptocurrency fraud after Calgary senior loses more than $300,000
CPS investigation resulted in fraud and identity theft charges against Quebec man
Calgary police released details on Wednesday of a cryptocurrency scam that resulted in a senior losing more than $300,000.
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) wrapped up an investigation that spanned multiple years, by laying charges against Jeremy Rattray, 34, of Brossard, Que., earlier this month. Rattray is facing one count of fraud over $5,000, one count of laundering the proceeds of crime and two counts of identity theft.
The victim of the scam was contacted in June 2022, police said on Wednesday, by a man posing as her grandson, claiming he'd been in a car collision and was facing drug-related charges. The victim was instructed to contact the impersonator's lawyer, who was also part of the scam, and directed to make daily payments over a six-week period to secure bail and cover fictitious legal costs.
More than 300 separate deposits were made by the victim, from her bank account into bitcoin ATMs. Police were contacted after the victim became suspicious over the course of the scam.
Calgary police said its cybercrime and blockchain investigations team identified a suspect living in Quebec, whom they believed was responsible for the scam. In March 2023, Calgary police investigators searched a residence in Brossard, Que., and a business in Montreal, assisted by the Longueuil Police Service, which led to charges being laid earlier this month.
The CPS said on Wednesday the public should be suspicious of unexpected or unusual phone calls, especially ones that demand some form of urgent action. Police also advised people not to share personal details and financial information, or to send money, to unknown callers.
"Fraudsters are increasingly impersonating family members, lawyers or members of law enforcement agencies to manipulate victims, particularly seniors, into believing a loved one is in trouble," said Acting Staff Sgt. Gary Novokowsky from CPS's cybercrime team.
"If you receive a call asking you to withdraw funds or send money to unknown individuals, hang up and do not engage with the person."
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Police added they are seeing a growing trend of personal information, typically obtained through large-scale data breaches, used by scammers to make stories appear more convincing.
Rattray is next scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 12.