WELLINGTON COUNTY – Police are warning residents about cryptocurrency investment scams after several county residents were bilked of thousands of dollars.
“Be cautious when clicking on links and banners advertising cryptocurrency investing opportunities on social media platforms,” stated acting detective sergeant Tyler Cowie in a Wellington County OPP press release.
“Also, conduct your own due diligence when looking to invest your hard-earned money, particularly when it comes to cryptocurrency and remember if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), in 2024, Ontario residents lost approximately $284 million in an assortment of frauds, with another $569 million being reported in 2023.
Further, it is estimated that only between five to 10 percent of frauds are reported to the CAFC or police.
“Scammers are using advanced methods to appear legitimate and trick people into trusting them,” police stated.
Investment scam reports received by the OPP and the CAFC include initial coin offerings, Ponzi schemes, franchise opportunities, futures trading, multi-level marketing opportunities, mortgage investment opportunities and pump and dump schemes.
“In most of these cases, the investment opportunities offer higher than normal, or true monetary, returns which often result in investors losing most, or all, of their money,” police stated.
If you do fall victim to a fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime, and also report it to the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or online, even if a financial loss did not occur.
For more information on scams and frauds read The Little Black Book of Scams, which can be found online at competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03074.html.
Break-in, theft
GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Police have arrested and charged a person in connection with a break-in here last week.
On April 27 at about 6:30am, Wellington County OPP officer were dispatched to an active break-in/theft at a residence on 2nd Line in Guelph/Eramosa.
“It was reported that the caller was in … foot pursuit of the suspect, whom they located on their property,” police stated in a press release.
“Shortly thereafter, police arrived on scene, located the suspect and arrested them without issue.”
James Ironside, 33, of Guelph, was charged with possession of break-in instruments and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime (over $5,000).
He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at csgw.tips.
Partner violence
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local police continue to lay intimate partner violence charges across the county.
Those arrested include:
– a 39-year-old from Centre Wellington, who was charged with assault (spousal) and failure to comply with a release order, and a 38-year-old from Fergus, charged with failing to comply with an undertaking and failing to comply with release order, in the same incident on April 28 in Fergus;
– a 38-year-old from Erin, who was charged with assault (spousal), two counts of assault with a weapon (spousal) and three counts of mischief (under $5,000), in an incident on May 2 in Erin.
The accused individuals are to appear in Guelph court at a later date.
Careless driving
MAPLETON – Police have charged a Berkeley resident with careless driving after a single-vehicle collision here earlier this week.
Wellington County OPP officials say officers were called on May 4 at about 4:30pm for a vehicle that ran off the road and into a nearby creek.
“It was alleged that the driver had fallen asleep while driving and had two children in the car,” stated an OPP press release.
“Thankfully, no injuries were reported.”
A 55-year-old from Berkeley was charged with careless driving.
Police are reminding drivers “to please pull over if they are tired or experiencing fatigue.”
Safety reminders for motorcycle season
ORILLIA – The OPP is urging motorcyclists and drivers to avoid behaviours and actions that caused or contributed to a record-setting 57 motorcyclist deaths on OPP-patrolled roads last year.
“Excessive speed, losing control, failing to yield right of way, improper passing and driver inattention were leading causes or contributing factors in last year’s motorcyclist fatalities,” police stated in a press release.
“The 18 riders who were not at fault in the fatal collisions that took their lives are a stark reminder that even the safest of motorcyclists are vulnerable to motorists who fail to share the road safely with them.”
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique called last year’s fatalities “a tragic reminder of what happens when motorcyclists and motorists drive aggressively, are not paying full attention, or engage in careless behaviours when sharing our highways and roads.
“Motorcycle season commands our absolute safest driving practices, heightened vigilance and adherence to traffic laws that are designed to keep all road users safe – especially vulnerable motorcyclists and their passengers.”
Riders aged 25 to 34 accounted for the highest number of motorcyclist deaths (15) in 2024, followed by riders aged 65 to 74 (12).
Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner stated, “With the longer days and warmer weather, there will be more motorcycles on Ontario streets and highways.
“Last year’s devastating losses serve as a stark reminder to motorists and motorcyclists alike – stay alert and follow the rules of the road to create a safe environment for everyone.”
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Anyone with information about any of the above incidents can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at csgw.tips. Tip providers may be eligible for a cash reward.
