News release

Nanaimo resident loses $2000 in Grandson bitcoin scam

October 28, 2025 - Nanaimo, British Columbia
From: Nanaimo RCMP

Content

Nanaimo file # 2025-33026

The notorious Grandson scam has evolved with scammers now asking for bitcoin rather than wire transfers of money. Recently, a woman was led to believe her grandson had been jailed and ultimately sent $2000 in bitcoin to have him released from police custody. The incident occurred on October 14, 2025.

The scam started when the victim received a phone call from a man who called himself Tom Scott. Scott was calling from out of province and told the woman her grandson had been arrested and that he had also broken his nose. Believing her grandson was in trouble she asked what she could do to help him. The woman was given directions to a local bitcoin machine and provided with instructions on how to purchase and send the bitcoin. Scott continued to call even after the money was sent.

A family member intercepted one of the calls to her grandmother and put an end to it, telling Scott that the police had been called. 

“If you receive a phone call from anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer asking for bitcoin, money or gift cards, hang up and break off all communication- it’s a scam, “said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. 

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