$220,000 in crypto currency fraud in Middlesex County

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Social media has led to the loss of $220,000 for two Middlesex County residents, according to police.

On Jan. 23, police were sent to a home in Middlesex Centre where a person said they joined what looked like an investment group on a popular social media platform.

Police said the victim was welcomed into the group and began investing in crypto currency.

On Jan. 24, OPP were called to a home in Thames Centre where a person reported being a victim of fraud.

According to police, the person clicked on a pop-up ad on a popular social media platform, that had details on an investment opportunity into crypto currency.

The victim believed it was legitimate, clicked on the link and began investing.

In both cases, police said the victim became suspicious after they were instructed to add additional funds to unlock and retrieve the initial investment

The investigations are ongoing.

OPP stress that fraud is a multi-billion dollar per year business and modern, tech savvy, fraudsters will do their best to create confusion and chaos during interactions, leading victims to react impulsively and hand over their money.

“It is imperative to verify any unsolicited requests before you respond or provide personal information. If you feel pressured, hang up the phone or delete the sender’s profile,” said OPP.