In 2023, according to an FBI special agent from Alabama, about 300 residents of the state became victims of cryptocurrency fraud, each losing an average of about $170,000. Special Agent Matt Tootle emphasized that this year, the main threat to Alabama residents was fraudulent schemes related to the theft of funds and crypto assets, based on social engineering methods.

Tootle described how fraudsters spent a long time building trust with potential victims, including creating fake websites to show asset balances and the profitability of cryptocurrency investments. Sometimes they even allowed victims to partially withdraw funds to convince them of the project's reliability and encourage further investment.

He highlighted the uniqueness of this type of fraud due to the large number of victims and the speed of the scheme's implementation. He warned crypto investors to be vigilant, especially if they are promised high returns in the short term. Tootle also urged not to delay reporting to law enforcement in case of fraud.

Earlier, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino announced plans to strengthen cooperation with the US Secret Service and the FBI to prevent crimes in the field of digital finance.