FBI Warns of Online Scams Tied to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The FBI is warning of at least four verified cryptocurrency fraud schemes tied to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the FBI, the fraudsters are leveraging the pandemic to steal money and launder it through the complex cryptocurrency ecosystem.
One of the schemes involves threatening emails or letters that claim to have access to your personal information. They threaten to release that information unless you pay a certain fee through Bitcoin.
Another scheme involves fake employers asking you to accept a donation into your bank account, which is likely a tactic to gain access to your online bank or obtain banking information.
The FBI is also warning of a scam that lures customers into buying fake products that claim to treat or prevent infections from the Coronavirus.
Lastly, be aware, as always, of investment scams that involve scenarios that seem too good to be true. If you believe you are the victim of fraud, or if you want to report suspicious activity, please contact the Albuquerque FBI Division at 505-889-1300.
The FBI encourages all citizens to be extremely careful when using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and to verify all sources before making payments of any kind over the internet.