The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning about a new fraud scheme where criminals impersonate lawyers and target victims of cryptocurrency scams.
Fraud Scheme
In a recent alert issued on August 13, the FBI uncovered a sophisticated scheme where fraudsters pose as attorneys and law firms, cold-contacting victims of crypto fraud. These fake attorneys claim they can recover stolen funds through legal channels, often citing fabricated government partnerships or fictitious agencies like the 'International Financial Trading Commission.' Victims are pressured to pay upfront, usually in cryptocurrency or prepaid gift cards, before being funneled into WhatsApp group chats with supposed 'bank processors' and other fake officials.
Red Flags and Safeguards
The FBI's warning reveals that these fake law firms employ disturbingly effective tactics to appear legitimate. One obvious sign is the use of fake legal documents with stolen letterhead from real firms and claims of special partnerships with government agencies. Such an approach is an immediate red flag, as no private law firms hold such official designations.
FBI's Recommendations
Law enforcement experts recommend adopting a 'Zero Trust' approach when dealing with any unsolicited recovery offers. This means automatically treating any unexpected contact with skepticism until proven otherwise. The FBI also emphasizes that refusal to appear on camera or provide licensing information should be considered an immediate red flag. It is important to maintain detailed records of all interactions, including saving email correspondence and recording video calls when possible. This documentation could prove invaluable for investigators.
In conclusion, the FBI strongly advises vigilance and caution in cases of contact from unverified individuals, especially when they offer fund recovery. Taking precautions and keeping records can help protect one's interests and prevent further financial losses.
