Hampton residents have fallen victim to nearly one million dollars in scams within the past year, primarily involving phone, email, and social media schemes, many related to cryptocurrency. Police Chief Alex Reno emphasizes the importance of reporting scams, urging victims not to feel embarrassed. The Hampton Police Department is now the first in New Hampshire to open a cryptocurrency account to potentially recover stolen funds. Reno highlights the growing trend of scammers manipulating social media and calls, often preying on vulnerable individuals, especially seniors. He encourages everyone to be cautious and contact the police before sharing personal information or making money transfers to avoid becoming a victim.
Hampton Residents Lose Nearly $1 Million to Scams, Many Involving Cryptocurrency
Hampton, NH — In just over a year, residents of Hampton have lost close to a million dollars to various scams that have swept through the community. These scams, often carried out through phone calls, emails, texts, and social media, have heavily featured cryptocurrency, increasing concerns among community members.
According to Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno, this staggering figure only accounts for the reports made to the police department. Chief Reno expressed that many victims might not come forward out of embarrassment, leading to an even higher total loss. “If you suspect you’ve been scammed, please reach out,” he said. “We are here to assist, not judge.”
In an effort to combat these scams, the Hampton Police Department has become the first law enforcement agency in New Hampshire to open an account with Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange platform. Chief Reno noted that if detectives can trace and freeze stolen cryptocurrency, it may be returned to the victims with court approval.
Recognizing the rise of such crimes, Chief Reno strongly encourages residents to be vigilant. Before making any financial transactions, particularly involving cryptocurrency, he urges individuals to check with the police first. Many scams prey on unsuspecting individuals, especially seniors, leading them to lose significant amounts of their savings.
One notable case involved a local resident losing $480,000 in a sophisticated scam over several months, known as a “pig butchering scheme.” Scammers often initiate contact through social media and spend time building trust before introducing fake investment opportunities, which ultimately lead to significant financial losses.
As scams grow more complex, Chief Reno is set to deliver community presentations to raise awareness and share real-life examples of scams affecting residents. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags, such as requests for bank details or pressure to move money into cryptocurrency.
Additional information regarding scams can be reported to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office. His office has noted an uptick in blackmail scams, where attackers threaten to release embarrassing information unless paid in cryptocurrency. Formella advises targets of such scams not to panic and to report incidents to local law enforcement.
Hampton residents are reminded to stay safe by being cautious before sharing their financial information and to always verify the authenticity of unexpected communications. Reporting scams not only helps individual victims but may also protect others in the community.
Primary Keywords: Hampton scams, cryptocurrency scams
Secondary Keywords: police assistance, pig butchering scheme, public awareness
What scams are happening in Hampton?
Recently, residents in Hampton have lost nearly $1 million to various scams. These can include online scams, phone scams, and fake investment schemes.
How can I tell if something is a scam?
Be cautious if someone asks for personal information or money upfront. Legitimate organizations usually don’t ask for sensitive info over the phone or through email.
What should I do if I suspect a scam?
If you think you’ve encountered a scam, don’t respond or give out personal information. Report it to local authorities or the police.
Are there resources to help me avoid scams?
Yes, there are many resources online, including websites run by consumer protection agencies. Local police departments often provide tips on how to stay safe from scams.
What is the police doing about these scams in Hampton?
The police are warning residents and encouraging them to stay alert. They are also investigating reported scams to help stop ongoing criminal activities.
