Some residents of the city of El Paso in the US state of Texas have recently fallen victim to a crypto scam. Scammers, pretending to be officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), have been sending out legitimate-looking letters, requesting payment in cryptocurrencies. The FBI has issued a warning to locals, urging them to be cautious and vigilant.
The El Paso Crypto Scam
The scam starts with a letter that appears to be from the FBI’s local field office. Titled “Regarding Your Identity Theft Case,” the letter is designed to look official, using an outdated FBI Situational Intelligence Report format. It includes an FBI seal and a fake signature of the FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge, John S. Morales.
In the letter, scammers refer to a suspicious Bank of America account flagged by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, providing an ‘ADR’ confirmation number. The recipient is instructed to contact an “investigation officer” for further assistance. This tactic aims to make the victim believe that a genuine investigation is underway.
Government Impersonation Scam
The officials in El Paso have described this scheme as a “government impersonation scam.” Its primary objective is to convince individuals to send cryptocurrencies and other funds. While the initial letter doesn’t explicitly ask for money, scammers may follow up with phone calls or additional correspondence to coerce victims into making payments.
The FBI has assured residents that it has never used the specific seal displayed on the fraudulent letter. They have advised the public to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Responding or sending money to such scam letters only perpetuates the fraud.
“The scammers are clever in their approach, using official-looking documents and exploiting people’s fears and concerns. It is important that we remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to protect ourselves and others.”
– FBI spokesperson
Cryptocurrency scams continue to evolve, and it’s crucial for individuals to stay informed and educated. Being aware of common tactics used by scammers can help prevent falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.
- Verify the legitimacy of any letter or communication claiming to be from government agencies or law enforcement.
- Avoid providing personal information or funds to unknown individuals or organizations.
- Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities, such as local law enforcement or the FBI.
- Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud methods by following official sources and news outlets.
By remaining vigilant and sharing information, individuals can protect themselves and their communities from falling victim to scams.
“Education and awareness are essential in combating scams and fraudulent activities. By staying informed and cautious, we can collectively work towards a safer digital landscape.”
– Cybersecurity expert
