Missouri State Police Warn of New Crypto Fraud Schemes

The Missouri State Police are warning everyone to be careful with their money and that includes new cryptocurrency platforms where they're seeing a skyrocketing rate of new fraud schemes and tactics.

The Missouri State Police just issued this bulletin a few days ago trying to raise awareness of new cryptocurrency fraud cases they're now seeing more of. They said the villains are using the "internet, social media, email, dating sites, text messages, end to end encrypted messaging apps and phone calls" to try and convince potential victims to send them cryptocurrency by claiming they're law enforcement agencies or financial institutions. They gave these signs that you should watch out for that mean you're being targeted:

• They'll say you need to act fast "to avoid arrest, financial loss, or legal trouble"
• Payment requests for cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers
• Perpetrators will claim to "represent government agencies, financial institutions, tech support, or investment firms"
• The offer sounds too good to be true promising "risk-free" investment opportunities
• Instruction to keep your activity secret and not tell family members or authorities
• Romance schemes used to build a relationship before requesting financial "help"
• They want your financial information and ask that you send it to them "through email, text message, or social media"

What can you do if you believe you're a victim in Missouri?

The Missouri State Police say you should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 or file a complaint online at the Attorney General's website.