The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is warning everyone of an uptick in internet scams involving crypto currency.
Sheriff Dan Abbott says some schemes have resulted in victims losing as much as $100,000.
The scammers will send unsolicited emails that appear to be from legitimate companies claiming the recipient has subscribed or renewed an account. For example, an email might read, “You have successfully renewed your McAfee Antivirus Software Subscription for $600. If this was not you, please call this number to cancel.”
If the victim calls, then they’re dragged into a conversation with someone who sounds professional and attempts to get the caller to put money into a crypto currency ATM, providing the location of the nearest one. After that, the scam just continues with the scammer trying to get more and more money.
Sheriff’s deputies have spoken with several banks regarding these scams and note if you are ever concerned that you are not speaking to your bank, you should go to an actual branch and speak in person. Also, the banks will not ask you to move money and deposit it somewhere else in crypto currency, a money app, or gift cards.
Sheriff Abbott tells everyone to be weary of any emails asking for the recipient to call.
