FBI Issues Warning Over Crypto Exchange Scammers
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) issued an alert on Thursday over crypto scam artists impersonating crypto exchanges in an attempt to steal victims’ funds.
According to the newly released warning, the scam begins by contacting the intended victim, usually through an unsolicited phone call or message pretending to be an employee at a crypto exchange.
From there, the con artist falsely tells their target that someone is trying to break into or compromise their account.
The scammers then deceive the victim by telling them they “must safeguard their account by providing log-in information, clicking on a link, and/or providing identification information.”
Using this information, the crypto fraudster can access the victim’s account and wipe it of funds.
The FBI is warning of scammers impersonating cryptocurrency exchange employees to steal your money! If you have been a victim of this scam report the activity associated with it to https://t.co/eGBci0wXVk. https://t.co/ic89u4BDNM pic.twitter.com/dYVLufs0Wo
— FBI Las Vegas (@FBILasVegas) August 1, 2024
The FBI is urging potential targets of the digital asset scheme to avoid clicking links, downloading attachments, opening attachments or answering calls made by a suspected scammer.
“If you receive a call or message indicating any kind of account problem or compromise, do not respond, even if it appears official and indicates you must act immediately,” the alert reads.
However, if you answer a call, the FBI suggests you “hang up” immediately.
“Call the cryptocurrency exchange’s official phone number to verify if there is a problem,” the federal agency states. “Do not use any phone number the caller provides.”
According to data from the Better Business Bureau,
