Casper Police: New Scam Asks For Crypto Investments, Malware Removal
CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper Police Department is warning of “potentially devastating new trends in fraud and scams,” which have recently included new technology, cryptocurrency and investment scams.
The CPD release on Friday outlines some of the tactics and platforms used by the scammers, as well as common sense strategies people can use when confronted when asked. Those who suspect malware on their computers, who are actually thinking about investing in crypto, should consult reputable experts, police say.
Malware Scams:
“In these scams, individuals contact victims directly, or have victims call them due to malware executed on the victim’s computer,” the release said. – The suspects demand money to ‘clean’ and ‘secure’ the computers.
“As a result, the victims withdraw several thousand dollars and buy cryptocurrency through the cryptocurrency “ATMs” located in our city, police said. The victims send the cryptocurrency to suspects who send QR codes linked to their online “wallets”, which . The suspects continue then to harass the victim, demanding additional funds to pay for “processing fees” or other excuses.
“If you believe your computer has been infected by malware or ransomware, take it to a local reputable service center and have them clean the suspicious software from your computer for you. Never trust online “vendors” or people who contact you directly and tells you that they have detected an infection on your computer.”
“If you are ever asked to buy gift cards, bitcoin or other alternative payment methods, instead of paying directly in cash or using a debit/credit card, stop. Do not do what the person asks you to do. Once the payment is initiated with Moneygram, bitcoin or gift cards, there is no way to stop payment or recover lost funds.”
Investment fraud:
Another common scam is being contacted online through social media, where the victim is asked to “invest” money in cryptocurrency. The victim sends money to the suspect, either directly by sending cash, gift cards, or buying cryptocurrency online and transferring it to a digital wallet. The suspect sends a photograph of the contents of the digital wallet, showing a large and often dramatic increase in funds, to the victim to make them believe their investment has been successful. The suspect then asks for additional money to pay for “fees” associated with transferring the money back to the victim’s account. Furthermore, the suspects will always ask for more when money is sent.
We ask members of our community who are legitimately interested in investing money in cryptocurrency to seek out legitimate, reputable, local financial advisors who have that option.
In many cases, scammers usually use threats, fear, blackmail, abusive language, or other high-pressure tactics with the ultimate goal of forcing you to follow them. If you feel pressured to send money to someone you don’t know, stop. Take the time to express your fears to another person. If you suspect that the activity may be criminal, please call our department and report it.
Please do not rely on your banking institution to ask you to stop a payment, or to help you stop a payment once it has been initiated. Also, do not rely on your banking institution to cover any losses you may experience as a result of this type of fraud. Take the time to assess any suspicious circumstances you experience. If it doesn’t feel right, end the contact and tell someone you trust.
Casper Police Department
