The FBI warns that scammers are misusing Valentine’s Day to steal funds using fake identities and deceptive websites and seducing victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
FBI Alert: Crypto Con Artists Use Valentine’s Day to Seduce Victims
The FBI Philadelphia Field Office has warned the public about the rising trend in crypto-related scams, especially as Valentine’s Day approaches. Scammers use online romance schemes to manipulate victims into fake investment opportunities, including digital assets. These frauds begin with criminals creating false identities to gain trust before introducing false financial opportunities. The FBI explained:
Once trust and trust are built, fraudsters manipulate victims in using cryptocurrencies to deposit money into financial “investments” often with the promise of profitable investment opportunities. I will.
As digital assets grow in popularity, so does the refinement of these scams, making it important for individuals to pay attention to when shaping online relationships.
These scams often point victims towards websites that look professionals, incorrectly display high returns on investments, and encourage them to continue depositing their funds. However, when a victim tries to cash out, they face an unexpected obstacle. FBI details:
Scammers often argue that the victim will have to pay an additional “tax” or “drawer fee,” freeing up the investment “profit” and thereby gaining additional victim funds. The con artist then cuts off contact with the victim and disappears at the amount invested.
This tactic keeps the victim losing money, believing that he is in a major financial gain crisis. The FBI warns that fraudsters are frequently brought as experts and foreign workers, using elaborate excuses to justify their inability to meet in person while deepening their deceptions. Masu.
To avoid falling victim to these schemes, the FBI advises individuals to be skeptical of those who encourage cryptocurrency investments they encounter, especially on online dating platforms and social media. Red flags include requests to move conversations from dating apps, pressure to invest quickly, and demand for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Agents urge people to independently examine investment opportunities and do not send funds to those who interact only online. Anyone who suspects they have been targeted should report the fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can protect themselves from these sophisticated financial fraud.
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