A chilling case that began in 2022 has finally culminated in formal charges laid in 2025. The Calgary Police Service (CPS) has wrapped up an extensive investigation into a sophisticated fraud operation that targeted a Calgary senior, ultimately charging Jeremy Rattray, a 34-year-old resident of Brossard, Quebec. This case highlights the growing menace of bitcoin bail scams, particularly those aimed at vulnerable seniors.
The Incident: A Grandparent’s Worst Fear
It started with a phone call in June 2022. A woman in Calgary received a distressing message: her grandson had allegedly been in a car crash and was now facing drug-related charges. The caller’s voice was familiar, convincing, and emotionally charged.
The victim was then directed to speak with a lawyer—another impersonator—who urgently instructed her to make daily financial contributions to cover bail and legal costs. The payments, she was told, needed to be made through bitcoin ATMs, a method that supposedly ensured fast, secure transactions and anonymity for legal processes.
Over a six-week period, the woman made more than 300 bitcoin ATM transactions, totaling an amount well over $10,000. It wasn’t until later that she realized something was wrong. Feeling emotionally and financially drained, she finally contacted the police.
The Investigation: Cybercrime Meets Classic Fraud
Upon receiving the complaint, CPS launched an investigation spearheaded by its Cybercrime and Blockchain Investigations Team. Using digital forensics and blockchain transaction tracing, they discovered the funds were being funneled into wallets linked to an individual in Quebec.
This led to coordinated efforts with Quebec law enforcement. In March 2023, investigators executed search warrants at a residence in Brossard and at a business address in Montreal. The evidence collected eventually led to charges being laid in July 2025.
Charges Laid
Jeremy Rattray now faces:
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One count of fraud over $5,000
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One count of laundering proceeds of crime
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Two counts of identity theft
These are serious offenses under Canadian law and carry the potential for heavy fines and imprisonment.
The Anatomy of a Bitcoin Bail Scam
Step 1: Emotional Manipulation
Scammers target older adults, using emotionally charged stories involving grandchildren or children. They know grandparents will act quickly if they think a loved one is in trouble.
Step 2: The “Lawyer” Tactic
A fake lawyer takes over the conversation, instructing the victim to act immediately. The victim is told to keep the matter confidential, isolating them from friends or family who might catch the fraud.
Step 3: Payment in Bitcoin
The victim is directed to bitcoin ATMs. These machines allow anyone to convert cash into cryptocurrency without speaking to a bank or needing approval. Scammers use this method because transactions are hard to reverse and difficult to trace.
Step 4: Repeated Transfers
Scammers request small, manageable amounts every day. Over time, the total loss becomes substantial. Victims often don’t question the process until it’s too late.
Step 5: Realization and Reporting
Eventually, victims grow suspicious—either due to the prolonged nature of payments or by speaking to someone else. At this point, they contact police.
Why This Scam Worked
This wasn’t just a one-off call; it was a calculated, sustained con. Here’s what made it effective:
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Voice-changing AI – The impersonated voice sounded exactly like the victim’s grandson.
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Trust-based manipulation – Grandparents are less likely to verify stories that involve emotional urgency.
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Urgency and secrecy – Scammers insisted the matter was time-sensitive and private, limiting external involvement.
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Technological blind spots – Many seniors are unfamiliar with cryptocurrency, making it easier to mislead them.
How CPS Solved It
The Calgary Police Service took a modern approach:
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Blockchain forensics – Tracked where the bitcoin went by following the transaction paths.
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Digital evidence review – Recovered emails, phone numbers, and digital communication records.
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Inter-agency collaboration – Worked with the Longueuil Police Service in Quebec.
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Physical search warrants – Executed at both residential and business locations.
All of this combined led to a successful identification and prosecution effort.
Broader Implications
This case reflects a much larger trend across North America. Authorities across Canada and the U.S. have been sounding the alarm over scams targeting the elderly, particularly those using modern tech like AI and cryptocurrency.
While traditional phone scams used to rely on panic and verbal pressure, today’s scammers have elevated their methods using digital manipulation tools, voice simulation, and crypto transaction methods that evade basic banking scrutiny.
Who Is At Risk?
Anyone can be a target, but seniors are disproportionately affected, especially those who:
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Live alone
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Are not tech-savvy
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Have limited social interactions
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Are emotionally vulnerable
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Have access to liquid funds
These individuals are seen as easy to isolate and manipulate, making them prime targets for scammers.
How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones
1. Verify Always
If you get a call claiming a loved one is in danger, call that person directly. If they don’t answer, call a close family member. Never act on a single source.
2. Don’t Share Personal Info
Never provide banking details, address, date of birth, or other personal identifiers over the phone to unknown individuals.
3. Hang Up, Don’t Engage
Scammers try to keep you on the line. Once you feel uncomfortable or suspicious, hang up immediately.
4. Beware of Cryptocurrency Demands
Legitimate institutions—courts, police, and law firms—do not request payment via bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfer.
5. Talk About Scams
Have regular conversations with elderly family members about fraud trends. Education and open dialogue are powerful deterrents.
6. Monitor Finances
Set up transaction alerts on bank accounts. Consider involving a trusted person for shared oversight if elderly relatives are vulnerable.
What Law Enforcement Recommends
Calgary Police urge all citizens to remain vigilant, especially when it comes to crypto-related or emotionally manipulative scams. They’ve issued the following tips:
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Be suspicious of unexpected calls demanding urgent action.
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Never share financial or identity details over the phone.
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Do not send money or cryptocurrency to unknown individuals.
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If in doubt, call your local police department immediately.
The Calgary Police Service continues to invest in cybercrime teams and digital forensic units, reinforcing their ability to investigate high-tech scams.
Legal Outlook
Should Rattray be found guilty, he could face:
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Up to 10 years in prison for fraud over $5,000
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Seizure of assets obtained through proceeds of crime
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Court-ordered restitution to the victim
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Criminal records that prevent international travel and employment
This case is expected to serve as a legal precedent for future crypto-related fraud prosecutions in Canada.
Crypto and the Law
As the use of cryptocurrency increases, law enforcement agencies are seeking stronger regulatory frameworks. This case might inspire changes such as:
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Requiring identification for bitcoin ATM usage
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Implementing transaction limits for high-risk demographics
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Mandating real-time monitoring for unusual crypto transactions
Increased cooperation between cryptocurrency exchanges and police is also being explored to better track fraud-related wallets and freeze accounts.
Community Responsibility
For Families:
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Encourage open communication about finances.
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Check in regularly.
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Offer to review large or unusual transactions.
For Seniors:
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Know that it’s okay to ask for help.
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Never be embarrassed to report a scam.
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Stay informed on the latest fraud tactics.
For Community Leaders:
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Host workshops at senior centers.
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Distribute simple brochures explaining fraud scenarios.
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Create a local hotline for suspected scam support.
Final Thoughts
The bitcoin bail scam that defrauded a Calgary senior wasn’t just about stolen money. It was a violation of trust, peace of mind, and emotional safety. But thanks to the diligence of the Calgary Police Service, a suspect has been charged, and a wider conversation has been sparked.
Technology is evolving rapidly, and so are the methods used by criminals. Protecting the most vulnerable among us requires awareness, conversation, and swift action. As this case shows, justice can catch up—even across provinces and over years—when law enforcement, digital tools, and public awareness work in harmony.
ALSO READ: Retired Professor Duped in Crypto Scam: ₹1.93 Cr
For more information or to report suspicious activity:
Calgary Police Service
Website: www.calgarypolice.ca
Non-emergency line: 403-266-1234
