Physically challenged realtor loses accessible van funds in crypto scam

A physically challenged Grand Bend woman lost $70,000 that was going to be spent on an accessible van to a crypto scam. CTV’s Scott Miller reports.

Tabetha Burley started investing with an online crypto currency company last September. At first, everything was fine, she was seeing gains, and was able to withdraw money with relative ease.

“And then things went sideways. December 2024. You couldn’t withdraw to a crypto wallet, you had to now purchase a card for $5,000 or $10,000. And everybody seemed to still fall for it. Fast forward to Sept. 30 of 2025, and I realized I was in trouble,” said the Grand Bend area realtor.

Burley, who has been in a wheelchair most of her life, had sunk $70,000 into the crypto scam by September of this year, and was unable to withdraw any of it. She reported the scam to her local CIBC bank, who told her because she knowingly made the e-transfers and loans, there was nothing they could do for her — the money was gone.

“I’ve been a customer of there’s for 32 years and that’s the thanks I get. It’s not okay. And that’s why the scams continue, in whatever form the scam may be,” said Burley.

The Canadian Banker’s Association said while banks are committed to stopping crypto frauds and scams, “Banks have no visibility once money is sent to a cryptocurrency exchange, and this is why scammers often leverage crypto as a vehicle to facilitate scams.

Banks take many steps to protect clients from potential fraud while balancing their responsibility to follow our clients’ instructions for access and use of their money.”

Burley is far from alone. In Lambton County, there have been 241 fraud investigations this year, many involving crypto currency. In Huron County, nearly $1-million was lost from August to October, in 10 separate scams, nine of them involving crypto currency.

“It’s really sad to see. It’s frustrating actually, because I know people have worked hard for their money and now they’re losing it so quickly online,” said Huron OPP Const. Craig Soldan.

Burley wasn’t just trying to make a fast buck, she was trying to make money to help her buy an accessible van, so she could finally drive herself, instead of relying on others.

“I’m still on that journey. I’m actively doing it now, but financially, I don’t have what I thought I was going to have to get to the van portion of the journey,” she said.

In Lambton County, Burley said OPP are trying to get local banks to contact them directly when what could be considered suspicious withdrawals are made from people’s accounts. Burley said if that was in place, she might not be in the position she’s in.

“I urge more banks to look at this as a partnership that can potentially stop a lot more people from being in these dire straits situations after they realize it’s a scam. Instead of being divided, let’s work together,” she said.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says $544-million has been lost to frauds and scams this year in Canada. While there’s no promise you’ll get your money back, victims are encouraged to report if they’ve been scammed to www.antifraudcentre.ca or by calling 1-888-495-8501.

“They prey on the fact that we’re trusting good Canadian people, we’re honest people. And we like to believe that people are telling us the truth when we communicate with them. And I think the hope that most of these people have is, they’re just hoping to get a big return on their investments and a quick way to do that,” said Soldan.

Burley has started a fundraising campaign to try and help her raise the money she lost to buy her accessible van. In retrospect, she said she recognizes she should have seen some red flags along the way, but she also believes that Canada’s banks can do more to help stop scams, before they get too far.

“They look at it like once it’s gone, it’s gone. My hope is that they have someone looking out for their clients,” said Burley.

Canadian Banker’s Association statement on its responsibility when it comes to scams and fraud

“Banks are united in their commitment to protecting customers and communities from fraud by continuously strengthening their cybersecurity and fraud detection measures. They also champion financial literacy, raising awareness of security risks and sharing best practices and practical tips to help individuals safeguard themselves, their loved ones, and their businesses.

Banks have controls – including fraud alerts and one-time passcodes – to help protect customers from fraud and identify unusual activity. They are also legally and contractually obligated to follow customer instructions, provided sufficient funds are available through account credit or borrowing.

Under client banking agreements, customers also share responsibility for protecting their personal information, including keeping PINs and passwords confidential. Banks have no visibility once money is sent to a cryptocurrency exchange, and this is why scammers often leverage crypto as a vehicle to facilitate scams.

Banks take many steps to protect clients from potential fraud while balancing their responsibility to follow our clients’ instructions for access and use of their money. Banks also offer training around fraud to their staff when it is relevant to their job.

Banks are one of several lines of defence in the fight against scams and other types of fraud. Criminals often exploit platforms – such as social media, phone calls, texts, or online marketplaces – to fraudulently obtain customer information to perpetrate scams. Companies across sectors, as well as law enforcement, play a role in preventing and responding to scams.”