Tilton police are raising an alarm regarding ongoing scams related to bitcoin, warning residents after several individuals in the area reported significant monetary losses from transactions made at a local bitcoin machine. The alarming trend has prompted reflection from residents like Jaclyn Brouillard, who previously fell victim to a similar scheme.
Brouillard vividly recalls the painful experience of losing $9,000 to a scam that tricked her into believing her son was in legal trouble. “It sounded like my oldest son calling my mother saying, ‘Mimi, I’ve been arrested,'” she shared, expressing the emotional turmoil that unfolded during the incident. She described the agent of the scam as being disturbingly knowledgeable about her family, causing considerable distress and making her feel vulnerable.
Despite her son not being incarcerated, Brouillard felt compelled to act, convinced that the funds she was being urged to send would aid in his release. “It probably had been going on for three hours at this point, and the amount of emotions that they had ramped up in us,” she reflected on the manipulation she and her family endured.
Tilton police Sgt. Mike Foster underscored the dangerous tactics employed by scammers, highlighting how fear and urgency play crucial roles in compelling victims to comply. “He was definitely in fear that he was going to be in trouble for not doing it,” Foster explained, emphasizing how such emotions can overshadow rational decision-making.
In a recent case, two elderly residents lost a staggering $11,000 to scammers using the same bitcoin machine located inside a Cumberland Farms. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Sgt. Foster intervened in an ongoing scam, noting that one victim had $3,000 already loaded into the machine, while possessing an additional $25,000.
Foster made it clear that legitimate law enforcement agencies or banking institutions would never request payments via bitcoin or any cryptocurrency. Brouillard echoed this sentiment, stating, “They invested a lot of time in just terrorizing us.”
In an effort to prevent further victimization, Brouillard has taken proactive measures, instituting a family code intended to safeguard against future attempts. “You’re not getting any help from me,” she declared firmly. “I don’t care what it is if you don’t know the family password.”
Police encourage anyone who suspects they may be targeted by a scam to reach out for assistance, either by calling the police or visiting the station in person. The persistent issue of bitcoin scams serves as a crucial reminder for community members to remain vigilant and informed.
