A woman in her 70s became the victim of a cryptocurrency scam, losing a staggering $100,000 after scammers, posing as federal agents, convinced her to deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs. This incident is part of a troubling trend identified by Roswell police, where scammers predominantly target elderly individuals, manipulating their trust and exploiting their vulnerability online and over the phone.
According to Officer Tim Lupo, the scheme involved the scammers creating a fabricated crisis, claiming that the victim’s account had been hacked or suggesting that she had been implicated in a crime. The only way to resolve the supposed legal issues or protect her money, they insisted, was to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs that directed the funds to a digital wallet.
“More cases are pouring in each week,” Officer Lupo noted during an interview. The police are urging the public to be wary and to verify any unsolicited claims that demand payment in cryptocurrency. They highlight several red flags that could indicate a scam, particularly emphasizing the importance of skepticism when contacted by unfamiliar sources asking for money.
As scams become increasingly sophisticated, police encourage consumers to stay informed and vigilant to prevent falling victim to similar schemes. Tips on recognizing fraudulent activity will be shared during Channel 2 Action News at 4:00 p.m., as part of a broader community awareness initiative.
