Calgary police have charged a Quebec man after a two-year investigation into a cryptocurrency scam that cost a senior more than $300,000.
According to the Calgary Police Service (CPS), the scam began in June 2022 when the victim received a call from someone pretending to be her grandson. The impersonator claimed he had been in a car accident and was facing drug charges. He directed the victim to speak with a supposed lawyer, also a fraudster, who told her she needed to make payments to secure bail and cover legal fees.
Over a six-week period, the victim made over 300 separate bitcoin ATM deposits from her bank account. Suspicion grew over time, leading her to report the situation to police.
Following an extensive investigation, the CPS cybercrime and blockchain team, in cooperation with the Longueuil Police Service, searched a residence in Brossard and a business in Montreal in March 2023. Earlier this month, 34-year-old Jeremy Rattray of Brossard was charged with fraud over $5,000, laundering proceeds of crime, and two counts of identity theft.
Police urge the public to be cautious of unexpected calls, especially those pressuring for urgent action. “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.
CPS warns that scammers often use personal information from large-scale data breaches to make their schemes more convincing. If anyone receives a suspicious call requesting money or sensitive information, police say it’s best to hang up immediately and not engage.
Rattray is scheduled to appear in court on August 12.
