Nanaimo Resident Defrauded in Crypto ATM Scam and Targeted by Impersonators

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police warned of a growing wave of “fund recovery scams,” after a Nanaimo victim who lost about C$5,000 in a crypto-related fraud was contacted again by impostors promising to recover C$60,000.

Summary

Authorities in Canada reported a case in Nanaimo where a resident who lost around C$5,000 in a cryptocurrency-related scam was later targeted again by fraudsters impersonating the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The scammers falsely claimed they could recover C$60,000 in lost funds. The RCMP warned that this tactic reflects a broader rise in “fund recovery scams,” in which criminals approach victims of earlier crypto fraud and demand fees for fake recovery services. Officials emphasized that law enforcement agencies do not contact victims to recover cryptocurrency or request payments, urging the public to remain cautious of such impersonation schemes.

Terms & Concepts
  • Crypto ATM: A physical kiosk allowing users to buy or sell cryptocurrency using cash or debit cards.
  • RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police): Canada’s federal and national law enforcement agency responsible for policing and criminal investigations across multiple provinces and territories.
  • Fund Recovery Scam: A fraudulent scheme where scammers claim they can recover lost or stolen cryptocurrency or funds, typically requesting upfront fees or personal information from victims.