Bitcoin Scams Warning: Beware of Pop Ads and Scammers Posing as BBB

Introduction

Thieves are constantly finding new ways to steal your money. Recently, there has been a surge in bitcoin scams that can cost victims thousands of dollars. This article highlights the tactics used by scammers and provides tips on how to protect yourself.

Pop Ads and Scammers

Hoover police have reported cases where victims were targeted with pop-up ads on their computers. On the other hand, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has seen victims being targeted by scammers pretending to be from the BBB. Unfortunately, both sets of victims lost money.

Case Study: Scammer Posing as BBB Representative

Garet Smitherman from the BBB is currently working on a case where the scammer claimed to be a representative from the BBB. The scammer called retired federal employees and informed them about new benefits for their federal credit union account. The elderly victim followed the scammer’s instructions and made multiple cash withdrawals from the local credit union. The money was then deposited into a bitcoin ATM at a gas station, resulting in the immediate loss of the funds.

Well-Executed Scams

These scams are well thought out and designed to deceive victims. The scammers provide explicit instructions and create a sense of urgency to manipulate victims into taking immediate action.

Common Themes

The BBB has observed common themes that entice victims to fall for these scams. The scammers often create a sense of excitement by offering exclusive opportunities or warn of impending trouble if the victim fails to comply.

Protect Yourself

The BBB advises individuals to exercise caution and take the following steps to protect themselves:

• Ask for additional information or a printed contract outlining the offer.
• If unsure, hang up and call the company directly using the contact information from their official website.
• Avoid relying on Google search results for customer service numbers. Instead, visit the company’s website to ensure you are calling the correct number.

Reporting and Spreading Awareness

Instances of these scams should be reported to the police and the BBB. However, due to the likelihood of the suspects being located overseas, recovering the lost money may be challenging. Hoover PD and the BBB urge the public to learn more about these scams and inform their family and friends to prevent further victims.

Conclusion

Bitcoin scams are on the rise, with scammers using pop-up ads and posing as reputable organizations like the BBB to deceive victims. It is crucial to stay vigilant and follow the tips provided to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

References

For more information, visit the Better Business Bureau website.

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