The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning about scammers impersonating employees of cryptocurrency exchanges to steal users’ funds. The agency urges victims to report any scam activities through official channels and to provide detailed transaction information related to the scam.
How the Scam Works
According to the FBI, these scammers contact potential victims through phone calls or messages, pretending to be representatives of a legitimate crypto exchange. They often claim that there are issues with the user’s account or that someone is attempting to hack it. The goal is to create a sense of urgency, pushing the user to act quickly to “protect” their account.
Once they have gained the victim’s trust, the scammers may request sensitive information such as access codes or identification details. They may also direct users to click on links, visit fraudulent websites, or provide login credentials. This information enables the scammers to access the user’s account and steal their digital assets.
FBI’s Advice to Crypto Users
The FBI advises crypto users to be cautious if they receive unsolicited calls or messages about their accounts. Specifically, the agency recommends:
- Do not respond: Even if the message or call appears official, do not engage with the sender. The FBI advises users to hang up immediately.
- Verify independently: Users should contact their cryptocurrency exchange using the official phone number or website, not any number or link provided by the caller.
- Avoid clicking on links: Do not visit websites or click on links sent by the alleged exchange representatives. Instead, navigate directly to the exchange’s official website.
- Protect login details: Never share login information or download attachments from suspicious messages.
If a user has fallen victim to such a scam, the FBI encourages them to report the incident through official channels and provide all relevant transaction information.
Recent Surge in Fake Job Scams
In addition to warnings about fake crypto exchange representatives, the FBI has also reported a rise in fraudulent work-from-home job advertisements. Scammers use fake job interfaces to trick users into believing they are earning money, then ask for cryptocurrency payments to unlock additional job opportunities. In reality, these earnings are nonexistent, and the payments go directly to the scammers.
