Police warning public after Guelph woman loses $14,000 in crypto-scam
Posted May 6, 2026 01:20:21 PM.
Last Updated May 6, 2026 02:15:28 PM.
Guelph police are warning residents to be wary after a Guelph woman was robbed of $14,000 because of a virtual celebrity endorsement scam.
The victim contacted authorities Tuesday to report the situation, saying she had clicked on a social media link claiming to advertise an “investment opportunity.” The ad was seemingly promoted by a popular content creator on YouTube, leading the victim to pay a $250 upfront cost to join the investment.
The woman spoke to multiple “representatives” of the company, including speaking virtually with someone she believed to be the YouTube star promoting the operation. She then transferred $5,000 to an online cryptocurrency wallet linked by the supposed YouTuber.
Because of the rise of artificial intelligence to replicate public personas, police are urging locals to be wary of telephone calls, emails or texts from celebrities or public figures which require immediate financial action.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Even if no financial loss has been sustained, interactions can still be reported to the CAFC.
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