Latest news with #MindyDunaway
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Georgia couple loses $800K in sophisticated cryptocurrency scam
The Brief A Georgia couple lost nearly $800,000 in a cryptocurrency scam initiated through a WhatsApp message, leaving them financially devastated. The scam involved a legitimate-looking mobile trading app and an AI-generated "ghost site" that manipulated the couple's view of their investments. The couple is speaking out to warn others about the sophisticated tactics used by scammers, while their children have started a GoFundMe to support them financially. GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - A retired Georgia couple is warning others after losing their entire life savings—nearly $800,000—in an elaborate cryptocurrency scam that began with a message on WhatsApp. What they're saying Jerry and Mindy Dunaway say the ordeal left them angry, embarrassed, and financially devastated. "I bought into it over time—hook, line, and sinker," Jerry Dunaway said. At first, the offer appeared legitimate. A stranger contacted Jerry through WhatsApp, encouraging him to invest in cryptocurrency using a mobile trading app. The stranger made Jerry feel comfortable, and soon he was trading small amounts of money, seeing modest returns, and even able to withdraw funds—building his trust. "He got me trading early, small amounts, started getting bigger. I was able to take money out and use it for myself," Jerry said. That trust crumbled last week when Jerry attempted to withdraw more money—and couldn't. He called 911. Gwinnett County police explained that while the app he was using was real, the scammers had created an AI-generated "ghost site" that manipulated what he saw on the screen. "He was able to identify that what I was seeing on CryptoWallet wasn't there," Jerry recalled. The couple says roughly $800,000 is now gone. "We have to figure out how to pick up the pieces and move forward," Jerry said. Though devastated, the Dunaways are speaking out to prevent others from falling victim. "These people are very good at what they do—they'll use any tactic to pull you in," said Mindy Dunaway. "Just be vigilant." What's next They are working with Gwinnett County police, but investigators say in many cases like this, the victims rarely recover their funds. What you can do The couple's children have launched a GoFundMe to help them meet day-to-day expenses. The Source FOX 5's Denise Dillon spoke with Jerry and Mindy Dunaway for this article.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Retired Gwinnett couple put out warning after being scammed out of $800K in crypto scheme
A retired Gwinnett County couple says they lost $802,000 in a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam, and now they are speaking out to warn others. Jerry and Mindy Dunaway thought they had done everything right. They saved for retirement, lived carefully, and looked forward to their golden years. Then a message on WhatsApp changed everything. 'It just gets into a general conversation,' Jerry said. 'And it's like, 'Oh, have you thought about crypto?'' The 74-year-old began investing through what appeared to be a legitimate cryptocurrency platform. TRENDING STORIES: Metro Atlanta parents 'made a dumb decision' by giving 1-year-old beer, report says SCOTUS rules on lawsuit from Atlanta family whose home was wrongly raided by the FBI Family finds someone else buried alongside their loved one in southwest GA cemetery At first, it worked. He could withdraw funds. So, he invested more. 'They show that you have money in, that you've made money,' he said. 'This is a no-brainer. You invest more.' But behind the scenes, Gwinnett County police believe scammers were using fake platforms and sophisticated malware that mimicked real transactions. Jerry thought he was growing his retirement. In reality, the money was gone. Over several months, the Dunaways lost $802,000, according to a police report. 'We did all the right things all of our lives, and then this happens,' Mindy said. The FBI said scams like this one have stolen more than $50 billion nationwide in the past four years. Seniors, they said, are especially vulnerable. Jerry said the shame nearly kept him silent. 'I'm willing to take the embarrassment to get the word out,' he said. 'People have to know.' Now the couple is warning others to be wary of unsolicited messages, even friendly ones. According to the FBI: Don't trust investment advice from strangers online. Verify all platforms through trusted sources. Never send money to anyone you haven't met in person. 'This stuff has to be more public,' Jerry said. 'More awareness. People need to start pulling together to better protect individuals.' Their family has launched a GoFundMe to help with immediate expenses after the crippling loss.
