In Green Bay, Wisconsin, cryptocurrency scams have become a significant concern. Local citizens have witnessed losses surpassing $250,000 since 2020. As the cryptocurrency industry pushes for mainstream acceptance, rampant scams could hinder its progress.
A Record-Breaking Year for Scams In Green Bay
Recent data from WBAY News highlighted that Green Bay residents reported a loss of $195,200 to cryptocurrency scams in 2023 alone. This alarming figure surpasses previous years’ totals. However, these statistics represent only the reported cases.
From 2020 onwards, Green Bay police documented 28 instances of crypto theft, leading to a cumulative loss of $273,893. The persistence of these scams is a testament to their effectiveness and the vulnerabilities of uninformed citizens.
Follow CryptoMode on Twitter, Youtube and TikTok for news updates! Scammers typically mislead their targets into believing they owe a debt, possibly due to a technical glitch or package delivery. As per WBAY’s report, they coerce victims into paying this fictitious debt in cryptocurrency. Sometimes, these fraudsters remain on the line, guiding their unsuspecting victims through payment steps.
Words of Caution from Authorities
Captain Jeff Brester of Green Bay Police emphasized that reputable companies and governmental bodies would never solicit payments in cryptocurrency. Once these criminals secure the payments, recovering the funds becomes nearly impossible. Their real identities often remain concealed, and many operate from international locations, making prosecution challenging.
The figures from Green Bay police underscore the need for more robust measures to combat online and cryptocurrency fraud. The highlighted scams in this Midwestern city are, unfortunately, commonplace.
Backing from the Federal Trade Commission
Green Bay’s revelation came hot on the heels of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) advisory. The FTC had issued a stark warning against such deceptive practices just two days prior. They straightforwardly stated, “only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency.”
The FTC advises extreme caution. If a job application demands a cryptocurrency fee or a stranger on a dating platform suggests an investment, these are glaring red flags. Such solicitations are almost always scams.
As the allure of cryptocurrency grows, so does the ambition of scammers. Residents of Green Bay and beyond should remain vigilant, informed, and skeptical of unsolicited demands for crypto payments.
None of the information on this website is investment or financial advice. CryptoMode is not responsible for any financial losses sustained by acting on information provided on this website.
