Provincial police are urging Ontarians to hang-up on any caller who claims to be from Service Canada after a Simcoe senior was scammed out of more than $19,000.
Norfolk OPP were notified about the incident on Monday afternoon.
Police determined a person identifying themselves as a representative from Service Canada called the elderly individual and claimed there was an issue with their Social Insurance Number. The caller stated there was "illegal activity" associated with the card, but that it could be resolved if the senior sent payment in the form of Bitcoin.
The victim complied, sending approximately $19,400 in bitcoin to the scammer.
Police are now urging anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be with Service Canada or the police, who is asking for money or personal information to just hang-up the phone.
"Service Canada and the police will not call and inquire about any financial information, your Social Insurance Number or ask for money in order to help you," OPP said.
