Canadians are ‘target No. 1’ for Ukrainian scammers – media — RT World News
CBC reported that “hundreds” of fraudulent call centers were set up in Ukraine and Eastern Europe to conduct investment scams.
Canada has become a prime target for scammers operating from Ukraine and Eastern Europe, CBC/Radio-Canada reported this week, adding that Canada is seen as a… “easy prey” By criminals due to the inaction of the authorities.
Information about a large scale investment fraud network operating via the internet and phone calls was provided to the broadcaster by a whistleblower identified only as 'Alex'. The man claimed that the network included “hundreds” Fraudulent call centers located in Ukraine and elsewhere in Eastern Europe. According to CBC, just one such center in Kiev employs about 150 people “The only job” He is “To steal Canadians' life savings.”
Last year alone, more than $300 million Canadian dollars was stolen from Canadians in investment scams, the CBC reported, citing data from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center (CAFC). This is nine times what it was in 2020, the broadcaster said, adding that half of these losses were related to cryptocurrency fraud.
According to Alex, Canada has become particularly popular with scammers because of its laxity in prosecuting such activities. “I see Canadians as the No. 1 target. I think that's because law enforcement hasn't done any real prosecutions of the scammers.” He told CBC. “I think this gives scammers the impression that Canada is an easy target.”
CBC reported that criminals lure their victims through social media ads on Facebook and other platforms offering risk-free, high-return investments in cryptocurrencies. Such ads are said to often include images of prominent public figures in Canada, such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau or Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, who are supposedly promoting the investments.
According to CBC, scammers have begun recruiting people specifically to work for them “Canada only.” A Radio-Canada journalist was able to apply for such “job” In a Kiev-based call center targeting Canadians exclusively.
This is amazing “Client” They were offered a monthly base salary of $1,200 and a 10% commission on all the money they stole. The broadcaster reported that those who were able to extract $100,000 from their victims per month could see their salaries rise to $1,500.
According to Alex, the stolen money could then be used to fund other criminal activities. “It will go to the corrupt authorities. We don't know where the money goes. “It could go to the black market, perhaps for drugs, perhaps for weapons… The destination is unknown.” to caution.
“These criminals love Canada,” Mark Solomons, chief investigator at IFW Global, an Australian anti-fraud firm, told CBC. According to him, the government is not making enough efforts to prosecute such cases, and there is no chance of arresting the criminals “Very thin.”
Several law enforcement agencies and ministries contacted by CBC, including the office of Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as the Foreign Ministry, declined to provide any comments on the case.
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