South Bruce OPP report cryptocurrency scam; and impaired driver

$215,000 LOST IN CRYPTOCURRENCY SCAM

(HURON-KINLOSS, ON) - March 2, the South Bruce OPP was dispatched to an address in the Township of Huron-Kinloss, where an individual reported being a victim of fraud.

Investigation revealed that the victim had received a bill from a utilities company higher than the anticipated amount. Through conversation with a representative, the victim was led to believe that there was a processing error and was instructed to make cryptocurrency transactions to rectify the issues.

The whole interaction was fraudulent, and the victim lost approximately $215,000.

The investigation has been passed over to the South Bruce OPP Crime Unit.

Police urge residents to be cautious when engaging in digital currency transactions and investments. Scammers often use fraudulent documents marked with logos and wording that can appear legitimate, which lead the victims down a path of surrendering personal information and banking details under the belief they are conversing with a legitimate source.

If you receive any documentation that appears suspicious to your situation, contact the company or financial institution in person or directly by a number you know to be the company’s; not the phone number or E-mail the document advises to do, as it could be fraudulent.

For more information about fraud, you can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca.

DRIVER CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED

(ARRAN-ELDERSLIE, ON) - Feb. 28, at 12:36 p.m., a member of the South Bruce OPP stopped to check a vehicle along 3rd Street SW, Municipality of Arran-Elderslie.

The investigating officer detected signs of impairment from the involved driver. The driver was placed under arrest and transported for further testing.

Ward HEMSTOCK, 63, of Arran-Elderslie, was charged with Operation while Impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), CC 320.14(1)(b).

The accused is set to appear in the Walkerton Court of Justice, April 2.

*THIS CHARGE HAS YET TO BE PROVEN IN COURT*

The South Bruce OPP is requesting anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.