A resident of Mokena successfully recovered over $100,000 lost in a cryptocurrency scam, thanks to the efforts of a local police detective and Will County prosecutors. The investigation began in September 2024 after the victim reported losing more than $150,000 through an online job scam that promised commission-based remote work. The fraudsters instructed the victim to set up a cryptocurrency account and transfer funds for several months. Authorities uncovered that part of the stolen money was in a wallet linked to a suspect in Nigeria. Although the criminals were not arrested, police were able to freeze the funds and return a significant sum to the victim, highlighting the diligent work of Mokena Police Chief Brian Benton and his team.
A Mokena resident has regained over $100,000 after falling victim to an overseas cryptocurrency scam, thanks to the diligent efforts of local police and prosecutors.
The investigation began on September 11, 2024, when the victim reported losing more than $150,000 in a fraudulent scheme. The scam started when they responded to an online job advertisement for a commission-based role targeting app developers. Under the guise of a legitimate opportunity, the fraudsters persuaded the victim to set up a cryptocurrency exchange account and instructed them to transfer funds over several months.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities discovered that a portion of the stolen money was being held in a cryptocurrency wallet tied to an individual with a Nigerian passport, operating from Cambodia. After a thorough inquiry, police identified that over $101,000 remained in the wallet.
Mokena Police and Will County prosecutors worked closely to freeze and secure the funds, allowing for their return to the victim. Police Chief Brian Benton commended Detective Darin McVicker for his dedication and hard work in recovering the lost money. He also expressed gratitude to Assistant State’s Attorneys Mike Casson and Dant Faulk for their valuable support in the case.
While Chief Benton noted the unfortunate absence of arrests in this case, he emphasized the importance of returning a significant portion of the funds to the victim.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by online scams, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrency. Authorities continue to urge residents to be vigilant and exercise caution when engaging in online transactions.
Tags: Mokena, cryptocurrency scam, police investigation, Will County, online fraud, victim recovery.
What happened to the Mokena resident?
A resident from Mokena lost over $100,000 in a cryptocurrency scam.
How did they recover their money?
They were able to recover their lost funds through investigating the scam and working with authorities.
What signs should people look for to avoid scams?
People should be careful of offers that seem too good to be true, unsolicited messages, and requests for personal information.
Is cryptocurrency safe to invest in?
While investing in cryptocurrency can be risky, being informed and doing your research can help you make safer choices.
What can I do if I fall victim to a scam?
If you fall for a scam, it’s important to report it to local authorities and your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.