Scam of the Month – September

Each month we highlight a REAL scam that was submitted to us. We highlight these real examples of tactics criminals are using RIGHT NOW, that way you’ll be better prepared when the next scam hits.

 

 

Tyler was fascinated with the huge rise in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. He’s recently been using his phone application to invest in small portions of cryptocurrencies with some of his leftover money from his allowance and his afterschool job. Although he was seeing some positive returns, he wanted more. When on social media one day, Tyler saw a post by a popular influencer. The post mentioned they would triple anyone’s cryptocurrency in one week with their proven method.

Tyler was ecstatic and followed the steps to send the cryptocurrency to their account. Tyler waited patiently, but the week went past, and he didn’t see his returns or original investment. The influencer later posted that their account had been compromised, and the criminal had posted the message about this cryptocurrency scam. Tyler was embarrassed and chose not to tell his parents or authorities.


Did you spot the red flags?

Red Flag The influencer claimed they could triple any investment in one week.
Red Flag Tyler was too eager to make quick returns on his investments.
Red Flag Tyler’s embarrassment after falling for this scam led him to not take any additional action.

 


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cryptocurrency Social Media Influencer questions and answers
This was an example of a cryptocurrency multiplier scam. Scammers lure in investors who want
faster returns by promising to multiply any deposit made. But more often than not, these deposits
go right into the wallet of a scammer with no intention of returning a cent.
These types of scams are very popular on social media platforms. Scammers have been known to
impersonate celebrities, influencers, and popular investors to push their scams. Additionally, as
seen in Tyler’s case, real accounts can be compromised and used to push out these scams.
Teach children and teens in your life about the pros and cons that come with investing. Everyone
should be aware that scams and other such fraud can, and should, be reported to local
authorities or consumer protection agencies. It is possible that some, or all, of the stolen money,
can be returned.

 

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