Police say a Salmon Arm woman was taken for $10,000 in Bitcoin after being called by a fake fraud investigator pursuing payment for a cell phone.

The incident was reported to the RCMP on Feb. 22. RCMP spokesperson Const. Andrew Hodges said the woman had received a call at 6 a.m. from a man claiming to be a fraud investigator. She was told her payment for a $700 cell phone did not go through and was provided directions on how to pay. Hodges said she followed the provided directions which resulted in her sending the fraudster $10,000 through a Bitcoin ATM.

鈥淭he victim stated the caller had a thick accent,鈥� said Hodges, adding calls back to the fraudster鈥檚 phone number went unanswered.

鈥淏e very cautious of phone calls received from unknown persons that are requesting money from you,鈥� said Hodges. 鈥淚f you receive a phone call from anyone claiming you owe them money, police recommend hanging up immediately. If you want to check if you owe money, call the business directly by calling a phone number obtained from a safe source such as the official business website, or a phone book.鈥�

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