Scam scams are skyrocketing in Nebraska as romance drains

Nebraska has seen a surge in crypto romance fraud, wiping out life savings through fake investments, fake documents and manipulated online relationships.

Nebraska issues crypto fraud alert after victim loses savings in romance investment hoax

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers issued a consumer warning last week after a surprising rise in statewide cryptocurrency fraud. Many of them are intertwined with online romance scams. Alerts sown in the Nebraska Attorney General’s office come in response to multiple reports that residents have lost six-figure amounts after the casualties of victims of elaborate schemes that include fraudulent crypto investment platforms.

The Attorney General’s office details how these frauds are structured. “Cryptocurrency scammers encourage Nebraskans to make small initial investments through fake trading platforms and apps,” the office has been added:

The scammer then produces fake bank statements and documents to convince the victim that investment is on the rise. The scammers then ask the victim to increase their investment and pursue even higher returns.

In some instances, the con man first begins contacting by forming a fake romantic relationship online. Once trust is established, they move the conversation to investment, targeting victims, especially the elderly, and promise high returns and almost risk.

The Hilgers warned that these schemes could cause irreparable damage. “These scammers destroy the Nebraskan and sometimes steal someone’s retirement or life savings. I urge the Nebraskan to be aware of crypto investments that promise high returns that are almost risky.” The alert provides practical advice to avoid falling prey to such scams.

To avoid crypto fraud, don’t send money to someone online that you don’t meet in person. If someone asks you to discuss your investment on an encrypted app, such as Telegram or WhatsApp, or an unfamiliar website, it’s probably a scam.

“Cryptographers will promise rewards that sound untrue enough to have little risk,” Alert said. Anyone who suspects they are targeted should immediately contact a financial institution or cryptocurrency exchange to try and retrieve the funds and report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. The warning highlights true dangers, but supporters of digital assets advocate for responsible use and education to enable consumers to securely engage with cryptocurrencies.