A Leeds County resident has reportedly lost more than $100,000 in what police say appears to be a cryptocurrency investment scam.
Members of the Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were notified of the fraud shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. The investigation remains ongoing.
While the case is still in its early stages, police are warning the public about the growing prevalence of cryptocurrency investment frauds.
“A cryptocurrency investment fraud occurs when a victim is tricked into putting their money into fake cryptocurrency opportunities,” police say in a March 27 media release.
Investigators say these scams often begin with advertisements on social media, dating sites or search engines promoting high returns.
Victims may start with a small investment before being contacted by individuals who guide them to download trading apps or set up cryptocurrency wallets.
“Once they transfer their cryptocurrency, they often find they can’t access or withdraw their funds, as the money has been taken by the individuals behind the scam,” police said.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, victims reported losing more than $351 million to cryptocurrency investment frauds in 2025 alone.
Police say there are several warning signs that may indicate a fraudulent investment opportunity, including:
- Investment opportunities with higher-than-normal returns
- Unsolicited telephone, email or social media investment offers
- Displays of urgency so you don’t miss out
- An individual met on a dating or social media website who quickly attempts to convince you to invest into cryptocurrency
- A friend tells you about a cryptocurrency investment opportunity via social media or email
- Telephone calls from cryptocurrency investment companies
- Fraudulent advertisements posted on the internet or social media
- Requests to transfer your cryptocurrency investment to an alternate crypto address
“Remember that police services, government agencies (including the Canada Revenue Agency), and banking institutions will never request you pay them with cryptocurrency,” police say.
Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of fraud is urged to contact their local police service, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, and notify credit bureaus such as Equifax and TransUnion.
