FBI Issues Alert on New Cryptocurrency Scam
In a recent alert issued on August 13, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has unveiled a troubling new scam where con artists masquerade as attorneys to exploit individuals who have already fallen victim to cryptocurrency frauds. This tactic has seen a rise in sophistication, preying on the vulnerability and desperation of those seeking to recover lost funds.
How the Scam Operates
The FBI’s investigation reveals that these impostors contact previous crypto scam victims directly, falsely asserting their ability to retrieve lost money via legal action. They often fabricate connections to government entities, claiming to have partnerships with non-existent agencies like the “International Financial Trading Commission.” This misleading information adds an alarming layer of credibility to their ploys.
Victims are typically coerced into paying upfront fees, which they are instructed to provide in cryptocurrency or through prepaid gift cards. Once tricked, these individuals are pushed into WhatsApp group chats with supposed financial agents, made to believe they are in contact with legitimate financial professionals. Unfortunately, by the time victims realize they are being defrauded again, their money has vanished.
The Scammers’ Tactics
The effectiveness of these scams lies in the scammers’ ability to conduct thorough research on their targets. They often possess specific details regarding victims’ prior financial losses, including the amounts lost and the identities of the original fraudulent operations. This intimate understanding builds a false sense of trust, making the scam artists appear more legitimate.
Furthermore, the criminals direct victims to create accounts at pretentious international banks, complete with meticulously designed websites that serve solely as traps to siphon off even more funds. Law enforcement advises individuals to maintain a “Zero Trust” mentality toward unsolicited recovery offers, which entails scrutinizing every unexpected communication with great skepticism.
Advice from the FBI
The FBI emphasizes that potential victims should be wary of any representatives who refuse to show their face on video or provide proper licensing credentials. It’s also recommended to keep thorough records of all communications, including saving emails and recording video interactions, as this information could be crucial for any formal investigations.
The rise of this deceitful tactic underscores the importance of vigilance and skepticism when it comes to recovering lost funds from crypto scams.
