Residents of El Paso Warned of Crypto Scam Impersonating FBI
Residents of El Paso, Texas have recently been targeted by scammers posing as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and demanding payment in cryptocurrencies. The FBI has issued a warning about this crypto scam, which involves convincing victims to transfer digital currencies and other funds. The scammers send a letter to their targets, claiming to be the head of the local field office in an official-looking document.
One resident reported receiving such a letter and alerted the authorities. The El Paso county released a public service announcement, stating that the letter was titled “Regarding Your Identity Theft Case” and used an outdated FBI Situational Intelligence Report format to make it appear genuine. It even included an FBI seal and a fake signature from FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge John S. Morales.
The Government Impersonation Scam
The officials described this scam as a government impersonation scheme aimed at obtaining cryptocurrencies and other funds from unsuspecting victims. They warned residents not to respond to such letters and emphasized that the FBI and other federal agencies do not threaten arrest or demand money through calls, letters, or emails.
What Does the Letter Claim?
The letter shared by El Paso authorities refers to a suspicious Bank of America account flagged by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. It includes an ‘ADR’ confirmation number and instructs recipients to contact an “investigation officer” for further assistance. American depositary receipts (ADRs) are certificates issued by U.S. banks that represent shares in foreign companies traded on American stock exchanges.
FBI officials have confirmed that the agency has never used a logo like the one on the letter, urging residents to be cautious and ignore such scams. Although the letter does not explicitly request money, scammers use it as a ploy to make victims believe they are part of a genuine FBI investigation. The perpetrators may later contact the victims and demand cryptocurrencies or money.
Hot Take: Stay Vigilant Against Scammers
It is essential to remain vigilant and cautious when dealing with unsolicited requests for payment or personal information. Scammers are constantly devising new schemes to trick unsuspecting individuals into parting with their hard-earned money or sensitive data. Remember that government agencies like the FBI do not demand funds through letters or threaten arrest over the phone. If you receive suspicious correspondence, it is best to verify its authenticity by contacting the organization directly using official contact information. By staying informed and alert, you can protect yourself from falling victim to scams.
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