AG Hilgers warning Nebraskans of surge in cryptocurrency, romance scams

(WOWT) – Nebraska Lawyer Normal Mike Hilgers is reporting a surge in romance scams and cryptocurrency-based funding fraud.

In a launch despatched Wednesday, AG Hilgers’ workplace says they’ve obtained stories of a number of victims dropping as much as six-figure sums in cryptocurrency scams.

Officers say Nebraskans are being focused by scammers and inspired to make small, preliminary investments by means of pretend buying and selling platforms and apps.

Scammers then create pretend financial institution statements and paperwork to point out victims their funding is rising. Not lengthy after, individuals are requested to extend investments to obtain greater returns.

The discharge states that in some circumstances, scammers construct a web based romance with the sufferer. Whereas officers report that seniors have been the primary goal of those scams, all age teams may be affected.

“These scammers are devastating Nebraskans and, at occasions, stealing somebody’s whole retirement or life financial savings. I urge Nebraskans to take warning with crypto investments that promise excessive returns with little threat,” Lawyer Normal Mike Hilgers mentioned within the launch.

You might be suggested to not ship cash to somebody on-line that you haven’t met in particular person. If somebody asks to speak about investments on an app equivalent to WhatsApp or Telegram, it’s more likely to be a rip-off.

Scammers are additionally identified to vow rewards that sound “too good to be true with little threat,” in accordance with the discharge.

If you’ll have been in touch with a scammer, notify your financial institution and/or the cryptocurrency change supplier. Scams may be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.