Saint John police are warning you to stay vigilant after victims lost nearly 200,000 dollars in a single day to sophisticated online fraud.

According to a recent media release from the Saint John Police Force, fraudsters are aggressively targeting residents using fake job offers, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and artificial intelligence extortion.

How the Scams Work

Thieves typically contact you through messaging apps with lucrative job offers or cryptocurrency investments. They convince you to send money, transfer cryptocurrency, or pay upfront fees. Legitimate employers never require applicants to pay significant amounts of money for a job.

The situation escalates quickly. Scammers become abrupt and angry when you ask questions to verify their identity. This aggressive behavior is a major red flag.

The Threat of Artificial Intelligence Extortion

Some criminals take a darker approach. After receiving your initial payment, they threaten to release your personal information, intimate photographs, or artificial intelligence generated images unless you send more money.

Police advise you to stop sending money immediately if you face these threats. You must preserve all communication evidence and contact law enforcement right away.

Protect Your Money

Fraud investigations often reveal suspects operating outside of Canada. This international element makes recovering your funds almost impossible. Prevention is your best defense.

You need to independently verify anyone you meet online before sending money or cryptocurrency. Be highly skeptical of anyone promising guaranteed or unusually high investment returns. Criminals design these schemes to build trust and pressure you into making fast decisions.

Always seek a second opinion from a trusted friend or family member before you invest money or accept an online job offer. If something feels wrong, stop and verify the details independently.

Report Suspicious Activity

Police encourage anyone targeted by fraud to come forward. Scammers use highly convincing tactics to appear legitimate, and there is no shame in reporting the crime.

Report incidents to the Saint John Police Force at 506 648 3333 and contact the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre. You also have the option to submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers by calling 1 800 222 8477.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a scammer threatens me with artificial intelligence generated images?

Stop communicating and stop sending money immediately. Preserve all messages and screenshots as evidence, then report the extortion to the Saint John Police Force.

Why is it hard to get my money back after a crypto scam?

Scammers typically operate outside of Canada and use decentralized cryptocurrency networks. This makes tracking and recovering stolen funds extremely difficult.

How do I know if an online job offer is fake?

A legitimate employer never asks you to pay upfront fees to secure a job. If a recruiter pressures you to send money or gets angry when you ask questions, you are dealing with a scammer.