Guelph police are warning residents after a local woman lost $14,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam promoted through what appeared to be a celebrity endorsement. Police say artificial intelligence is making it easier for fraudsters to imitate public figures and pressure victims into sending money.

Police in Guelph are warning residents to be cautious after a local woman lost $14,000 in a cryptocurrency scam involving what appeared to be a celebrity-backed investment opportunity.

According to police, the woman contacted authorities after clicking on a social media link advertising an investment opportunity. The advertisement appeared to be promoted by a popular YouTube content creator, which made the opportunity seem more credible to the victim.

The woman initially paid $250 to join the supposed investment program. She then spoke with several people claiming to be representatives of the company. At one point, she also spoke virtually with someone she believed to be the YouTube star connected to the promotion.

The victim later transferred $5,000 to an online cryptocurrency wallet that had been linked by the person she believed was the YouTuber. Police said the total loss was $14,000.

The case highlights the growing risk of scams that use fake celebrity endorsements, social media advertising, and cryptocurrency wallets to gain a victim’s trust. Fraudsters often create the appearance of legitimacy by using the names, images, voices, or likenesses of well-known public figures. With artificial intelligence tools becoming more advanced, these impersonations can appear increasingly convincing.

Police are urging residents to be skeptical of any phone call, email, text message, social media advertisement, or video that appears to involve a celebrity or public figure promoting an urgent financial opportunity. This is especially important when the message asks for immediate payment, cryptocurrency transfers, or access to an online wallet.

Celebrity endorsement scams often rely on the victim believing that a trusted public figure has already vetted the opportunity. In reality, the celebrity may have no connection to the investment at all. Fraudsters may also use fake websites, staged video calls, fabricated testimonials, and scripted “representatives” to reinforce the deception.

Cryptocurrency transactions create additional risk because transfers can be difficult or impossible to reverse once completed. Victims may also be encouraged to make additional payments after the initial transfer, with scammers claiming that more money is needed to unlock profits, pay fees, or complete a withdrawal.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by cybercrime or fraud should report it to local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Police also encourage reports even when no money has been lost, as the information can help investigators identify patterns and warn the public.

The incident is a reminder that Canadians should independently verify investment opportunities before sending money. Any investment promoted through social media, celebrity imagery, or urgent online messaging should be treated with caution, particularly when cryptocurrency is involved.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.