The Cobourg Police Service (CPS) is warning the community about a fraudulent scheme in which scammers posed as members of the Cobourg Police Service to deceive a resident into sending Bitcoin.
On January 26, 2026, CPS received a report that a 33-year-old woman was contacted by individuals claiming to be Cobourg Police officers. The scammers told the victim that her partner had been arrested and required Bitcoin for bail. The victim transferred approximately $5,000 through a Bitcoin ATM.
Police remind community members that police and other government officials will never call you to request money. Fraudsters often use urgency and fear to pressure victims into sending money. Be cautious of:
Unexpected calls claiming a loved one is in jail or in trouble.
Requests for payment for bail or fines through Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or other non-traceable methods.
Callers who insist you keep the situation secret or discourage you from verifying information.
Call display showing spoofed or unknown numbers.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call
Hang up immediately.
Contact the person or organization directly using a verified phone number.
Never send money or personal information to unverified sources.
Report suspected scams to the police.
If you receive a similar call, or believe you may be the target of a scam, please contact police and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
