3 days ago
Springfield police warn public of recent Bitcoin schemes
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Cryptocurrency schemes are on the rise, and the Springfield Police Department is asking residents not to fall for them.
Law enforcement officials say it's simple: hang up the phone and don't send the money. Those who fall for the schemes could have a difficult time getting their money back. Springfield Police say that some have sent thousands to tens of thousands of dollars through these cryptocurrency schemes.
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'Since the beginning of 2024, here in the city alone there's probably been approximately $624,000 lost due to the scam, mainly involving cryptocurrency and Bitcoin,' said Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers.
In the most recent scheme throughout the city of Springfield, callers have been impersonating local sheriff's department deputies.
'Victims are getting a call by a 'Deputy Ross,' which are real deputies at our department,' said Chief Deputy Frank Ott of the Hampden County Sheriff's Department. 'They're being told that there is an outstanding warrant or jury duty, and to clear up the warrant they would need to deposit money.'
The Springfield Police Department said the victims of these schemes range from ages 20 to 90 years old, but the majority of them are elderly. According to law enforcement, people have traveled from New York to Springfield to send money to schemers. Data finds that money is instantly sent to another country, and schemers are often untraceable.
Springfield Police said these are 'common sense crimes.' They're urging people not to be embarrassed if they are a victim, and to come forward and report it immediately, as they want to put a stop to crypto crimes.
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