In an effort to stop victims of fraud from making bitcoin payments, Alberta RCMP has launched an initiative that will see the display of posters bearing warnings in rural locations.
According to an RCMP press release, scams continue to be prevalent throughout the province, primarily those where culprits are representing themselves as agents from a government organization and requesting payment in bitcoin. To assist citizens across the province, posters have been created by the RCMP's Strategic Communications New Media team.
The posters are very clear with warnings, the release states – including “STOP – DO NOT use this Bitcoin machine if you are not in control of the QR Code you scan.”
“We felt that we needed to take one more step in educating potential victims and stopping them from making that irretrievable payment,” said Sgt. Rob Marsollier with the Red Deer RCMP Detachment. “We know that Edmonton Police Service has done similar posters, and if it stops even one person from losing their savings, then it’s a success.”
With co-operation from the businesses hosting the bitcoin machines, the release states, the posters will be displayed throughout Alberta in the near future.
