Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents in Northumberland County and across eastern Ontario about the growing use of cryptocurrency ATMs in fraud schemes.
Police say scammers are increasingly directing victims to deposit cash into crypto ATMs, allowing stolen funds to be transferred quickly and often beyond recovery.
According to OPP, there are now more than 300 crypto ATMs across eastern Ontario, including several located in communities such as Cobourg, Port Hope and Belleville, making it easier for fraudsters to guide victims to nearby machines.
Police say these scams often rely on urgency and fear. Victims may be told their bank account has been compromised, they are under investigation, or they must pay an urgent bill. They are then instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it into a crypto ATM.
Common fraud types include investment scams, romance scams, fake job offers, extortion attempts and impersonation of bank officials.
As part of Fraud Prevention Month, OPP officers are working with local businesses where crypto ATMs are located to share prevention information and raise awareness.
Police say key warning signs include being pressured to act quickly, being told to keep the transaction secret, or being asked to send money in cryptocurrency.
OPP stress that no legitimate business, government agency or financial institution will request payment through a crypto ATM.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is encouraged to keep receipts and transaction details and contact police or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre.
Officials say staying informed and cautious is the best defence against these evolving scams.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)