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Weyburn police investigate report of Bitcoin fraud

Police received a report of a Bitcoin fraud on March 21, as the victim requested a withdrawal of Bitcoin from the “service provider” and the victim was asked to provide banking information.
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Weyburn police are investigating a report of Bitcoin fraud recently in the city.

WEYBURN – The Weyburn Police Service received 69 calls for service during the period of March 18-24, and 38 charges were laid during this period.

Police received a report of a Bitcoin fraud on March 21. The victim requested a withdrawal of Bitcoin from the “service provider” and the “service provider” directed the victim to provide banking information for depositing the funds into their bank account. The victim discovered a significant amount of money was withdrawn from their bank account.

The Weyburn Police Service is seeing an increase in reports of Bitcoin frauds. Investment opportunities should only be carried out with registered and regulated financial institutions in Canada. Obvious indicators of investment scams include: High returns with little or no risk, pressure or manipulation tactics (limited time offer), requirement to provide personal and financial information such as account numbers and access codes, “insider” information regarding a new investment opportunity, the use of social media platforms to communicate (i.e. WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).

Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Souris Avenue and Third Street NE on March 18. No injuries were reported. One vehicle was towed from the scene. One driver was charged with failing to yield to on-coming traffic while making a left-hand turn.

While on patrol, police located a truck that had been reported stolen out of Cochrane, Alta., on March 22. During the investigation, police also found two stolen license plates in the vehicle. An adult male was charged with three counts of possession of property obtained by a crime, possession of break-in tools, and breach of a probation order. Similarly, an adult female was charged with numerous counts of possession of property obtained by a crime, and possession of break-in tools. Both were remanded in custody.

During the early hours of March 24th, police observed a vehicle being operated erratically in a parking lot of a local drinking establishment. Police initiated a traffic stop; however, the suspect vehicle failed to stop for police leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Through investigation, police identified the driver, an adult male, who was subsequently charged with impaired operation of a conveyance, flight from police, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Police received a RID (Report Impaired Drivers) complaint on March 24. The suspect vehicle was located and an adult male was issued a 60-day driver’s license suspension and three-day vehicle impound after they were found to be under the influence of drugs.

The Weyburn police also responded to a variety of other calls including alarms, domestic disturbances, suspicious persons or vehicles, mental health concerns, requests to check on an individual’s well-being, harassing communications, and calls relating to animals, parking, or other bylaw concerns.

Meantime, the Weyburn RCMP reported that some time over the weekend of March 23, two lifts of 2x10x14 boards were taken, totaling 210 boards from the Parrish and Heimbecker terminal construction site on Highway 39 at Weyburn.

If anyone saw a large quantity of lumber being hauled over the weekend, please contact Weyburn RCMP. If you have information related to this advisory, or any other crime in the region, please call 310-RCMP for immediate response, or the Weyburn Police Service, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).