How a Smart Woman Almost Lost Her Savings to a Fake Crypto Scheme

Patsy Hamilton, a seasoned traveler and adventurous eater, never imagined she'd be tricked by an online scam. In February, she spotted what looked like a genuine Toronto Star article. It claimed that former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was backing a cryptocurrency exchange. Hamilton, usually sharp, was taken in. She thought, "If Trudeau is involved, it must be safe. " The scheme promised big returns for a $350 investment, playing on fears about Canada's economic relationship with the U. S. Hamilton filled out an online form, sharing her name, email, and phone number. Soon, she received a call from the "crypto company. " They asked for more personal details, including her date of birth. Hamilton's instincts kicked in. She refused to give more information and ended the call. Later, she discovered the truth: it was a scam targeting Quebec and Ontario residents. Hamilton's experience is far from unique. Many Canadians encounter investment scams on social media. Fake news articles, featuring public figures like Trudeau or Premier Susan Holt, are common. These scams use AI-generated content to trick people. The BC Securities Commission warns that while the tools change, the signs of fraud remain the same. They advise pausing, thinking critically, and researching before investing. The BCSC suggests using the National Registration Search to verify if a company or person is legitimate. For Hamilton, the close call was a wake-up call. She felt a loss of security, questioning her ability to spot scams. However, she hopes her story will raise awareness. She encourages others to trust their instincts, document any scam encounters, and report them to authorities. Hamilton wants everyone to know that falling for a scam isn't something to be embarrassed about. If something feels off, it probably is. She advises contacting your bank, the RCMP, or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if you suspect a scam. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website offers more tips on protecting yourself from fraud and identity theft.