FBI Alert: Beware of Crypto Scammers Posing as Lawyers
Update: The FBI has exposed a sinister new trick targeting crypto fraud victims. Scammers are pretending to be lawyers, offering to retrieve lost funds.
This scam uses fake legal documents and staged WhatsApp chats with “bank processors” to dupe victims into believing they can get back their money. However, the con artists demand upfront payments in crypto or gift cards, and once paid, the victims lose even more.
In a recent alert, the FBI warned of these fake attorneys who claim ties to nonexistent agencies like the “International Financial Trading Commission.” Their tactics involve presenting realistic legal papers with genuine-looking letterheads from real firms, yet their partnerships with government bodies should raise suspicion.
Victims face a well-researched deception; fraudsters know specifics about their past loses, including amounts and dates. The trap deepens when victims create accounts at false foreign banks, with convincing websites set up by scammers to siphon off more cash.
How do you stay safe? The FBI suggests adopting a “zero Trust” policy for unexpected offers—treat them as suspicious until verified. Don’t engage if they refuse video calls or忽视 basic licensing checks.
Keep all interactions documented; emails and recorded calls can aid investigators. Remember, always verify a law firm’s legitimacy before handing over personal finances.
