The FBI Philadelphia Field Office is warning the public about a rising trend in crypto-related scams, particularly as Valentine’s Day approaches. Fraudsters are using online romance schemes to manipulate victims into fake investment opportunities involving digital assets. These scams begin with criminals creating false identities to gain trust before introducing fraudulent financial opportunities. The FBI explained:

Once trust and rapport are built, scammers manipulate the victims, often with the promise of lucrative investment opportunities, into depositing money into financial ‘investments’ using cryptocurrency.

As the popularity of digital assets grows, so does the sophistication of these scams, making it critical for individuals to exercise caution when forming online relationships.

These scams often direct victims to professional-looking websites that falsely display high returns on investment, encouraging them to continue depositing funds. However, when victims attempt to cash out, they face unexpected obstacles. The FBI detailed:

Scammers will often claim the victim needs to pay additional ‘taxes’ or ‘withdrawal fees’ to release their investment ‘gains’, thereby obtaining additional victim funds. Then the scammer cuts off contact with the victim, vanishing with the invested sums.

This tactic ensures that victims continue losing money while believing they are on the verge of significant financial returns. The FBI warns that scammers frequently pose as professionals or overseas workers, using elaborate excuses to justify their inability to meet in person while deepening the deception.

To avoid falling victim to these schemes, the FBI advises individuals to be skeptical of anyone promoting cryptocurrency investments, particularly those encountered through online dating platforms or social media. Red flags include requests to move conversations off dating apps, pressure to invest quickly, and any demand for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. The agency urges people to verify investment opportunities independently and never send funds to someone they have only interacted with online. Anyone suspecting they have been targeted should report the scam to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can protect themselves from these sophisticated financial frauds.

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