Guelph, Ont. woman loses $300K to scammers

A sign is seen outside a business where a Bitcoin ATM is located in Toronto, Ontario, June 3, 2017

A woman in her 80s has lost more than $300,000 to a year-long scam.

She told the Guelph Police Service she was contacted in late 2024 by a stranger who claimed they were investigating the woman for identity theft. The victim then began receiving several calls a week from a person who told her they represented the attorney general of Canada.

Police said the caller told the woman how to deposit funds into a Bitcoin ATM, after promising her the money would be returned to her at the conclusion of their fraud investigation.

“Throughout much of this year the woman attended ATMs across the city and deposited funds, often thousands of dollars at a time,” Guelph Police explained in a media release. “When she eventually told her family what was happening, they advised her to contact police. The victim acknowledged to police she should have reported it sooner but was embarrassed it had gone on so long.”

They also urged caution around phone calls, emails or texts demanding immediate action.

“It is always best to independently contact the supposed sender and confirm the legitimacy of the correspondence before taking action,” police advised.

Victims are encouraged to report scams to their local police department, as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501, even if there has been no financial loss.