A Brant County resident lost $18,500 in a cryptocurrency scam

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A Brant County resident lost $18,500 in a cryptocurrency scam over several months, say police.

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A fraud investigation began after Brant OPP were contacted by the resident on Monday, June 16.

Police say the victim has responded to an online advertisement promoting an investment opportunity.  Later, the victim was contacted by someone who claimed to be an investor. That individual urged the victim to invest in cryptocurrency saying it would result in  significant returns on the initial investment.

The victim received no returns on the $18,500 investment and then contacted police.

“Frauds and scams are attempted daily through online platforms, phone calls, texts, letters, or faxes. Fraud is a multi-million-dollar enterprise that will only cease when the perpetrators stop profiting,” police said in a media release.

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Police provided the following tips to avoid falling victim to such scams:

• · Research and verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities and the those offering them.
• · Exercise caution when confronted with promises of high returns with little risk. Overly optimistic claims may signal a potential scam.
• · Avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown individuals.

Information about  fraud and cybercrime prevention is available from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

Person charged with spousal assault

A 48-year-old Brant County resident is facing charges of spousal assault and domestic mischief.

Brant OPP officials responded to a reported assault involving intimate partners on Tuesday, June 17 at about 7:34 p.m.

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The accused is slated to appear in court at a later date to answer to the charges.

Victims of intimate partner violence in need of support can call Nova Vita Brant at 519-752-4357, a local agency you can contact 24/7. They can also contact OPP  at 1-888-310-1122 or 9-1-1 if in immediate danger.

Liquor stolen from business

Brant OPP are looking for three suspects in the theft of a quantity of liquor from a business on Mechanic Street in Paris.

The theft occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on  Thursday June 19. After the theft, the three individuals fled in a dark-coloured sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Brant County OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477  or leave an anonymous online message at www.crimestoppersbb.com.

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