W5 investigates cryptocurrency scams targeting Canadians

CTV's W5 has released the second part of its investigation into cryptocurrency scams preying on Canadians. The report examines the individuals behind the fraudulent calls and their apparent eagerness to deprive victims of their life savings.

The investigation, titled 'Crypto-fraud: W5 investigates scams targeting Canadians,' delves deeper into the operations of those conducting these deceptive schemes. It highlights how scammers contact Canadians with false promises related to cryptocurrency investments, aiming to extract substantial financial losses from unsuspecting individuals.

This installment builds on prior reporting by focusing on the perpetrators' readiness and willingness to execute the frauds. The scams involve unsolicited calls that lure victims into transferring funds under the guise of lucrative crypto opportunities, often resulting in the loss of life savings.

Published on December 19, 2025, the piece underscores the persistent threat these operations pose to Canadian consumers, emphasizing the need for awareness and caution in handling unsolicited financial propositions.

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Illustration of a woman falling victim to a crypto ATM scam in Washington D.C., with a warning sign in the background, for a news article on prosecutors' alert.
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Prosecutors warn of crypto ATM scam in Washington

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A woman in Washington, D.C., claims she lost thousands in a cryptocurrency scam involving ATMs. The city's top prosecutor accuses an ATM provider of enabling the fraud, where victims are tricked into buying bitcoin to supposedly protect their money. California regulators have also cracked down on similar kiosk operators for overcharging consumers.

European authorities have arrested nine suspects in a multinational operation targeting a cryptocurrency investment fraud network that stole at least €600 million from victims. The late October sweep involved agencies from several countries and resulted in the seizure of cash, cryptocurrency, and luxury items. Victims were lured through deceptive online tactics but could not recover their funds.

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has sued several cryptocurrency companies for allegedly defrauding retail investors out of more than $14 million through fake WhatsApp investment groups and bogus trading platforms. The scheme, which ran from January 2024 to January 2025, used social media ads, deepfake videos, and AI-generated tips to lure victims. Regulators say the operators, based in China, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, misappropriated funds sent to overseas accounts.

Officials in Hawaii are alerting residents to a surge in scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs, which have led to significant financial losses, particularly among seniors. In 2024, the state recorded 68 complaints resulting in over $922,000 in losses, with numbers nearly doubling from the previous year. Authorities emphasize vigilance during the holiday season to prevent further victimization.

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A 78-year-old textile businessman in Delhi lost Rs 18.80 crore through a fake investment app promoted via a WhatsApp group. This marks the second-largest cyber fraud case in Delhi, beginning in July 2024 and uncovered in October. The victim reported it to police in November 2024, leading investigators to a Chinese syndicate based in Cambodia.

Scammers have stolen more than $4.6 million from residents in Wyoming's three largest cities—Cheyenne, Gillette, and Sheridan—primarily via cryptocurrency ATMs, with $3 million lost in Gillette alone. Operating often from abroad, fraudsters target older victims using familiar tactics like impersonating authorities. Law enforcement reports highlight the untraceable nature of these machines, while education campaigns and proposed regulations seek to stem losses.

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Indiana state lawmakers are advancing House Bill 1116 to impose new rules on cryptocurrency ATMs, aiming to protect consumers from rising fraud. The bill introduces transaction limits and fee caps in response to scams that have cost residents hundreds of thousands of dollars. Supporters highlight protections for vulnerable groups, while industry representatives express concerns over business impacts.

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