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FBI warns of cryptocurrency scam in Northwest Arkansas
FBI warns of cryptocurrency scam in Northwest Arkansas
by Tom Sissom | Today at 1:00 a.m.
FAYETTEVILLE -- FBI officials in Arkansas say cyber criminals have begun targeting victims in a scam involving home computers, a threatened breach of Social Security accounts and cryptocurrency.
"We are seeing an uptick in this sophisticated play on an old scam," Kevin Corlew, supervisory special agent with the FBI, said in an interview.
"The victim will get a pop-up on their computer telling them a virus has been detected and to call this number," Curlew said. "If they call, they're told their computer has been hit by viruses and they're the victims of identity theft and need to be issued a new Social Security account."
Curlew said once the scammers have a victim on the line, they're told an official from Social Security is going to call them. The scammers then "spoof" a number making it appear to be from the Social Security Administration and tell the victim they need to close all their bank accounts and transfer their money to bitcoin.
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Curlew said anyone seeking more information or needing to file a complaint can go to to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov or call the Little Rock office at (501) 221-9100.
{snip}
by Tom Sissom | Today at 1:00 a.m.
FAYETTEVILLE -- FBI officials in Arkansas say cyber criminals have begun targeting victims in a scam involving home computers, a threatened breach of Social Security accounts and cryptocurrency.
"We are seeing an uptick in this sophisticated play on an old scam," Kevin Corlew, supervisory special agent with the FBI, said in an interview.
"The victim will get a pop-up on their computer telling them a virus has been detected and to call this number," Curlew said. "If they call, they're told their computer has been hit by viruses and they're the victims of identity theft and need to be issued a new Social Security account."
Curlew said once the scammers have a victim on the line, they're told an official from Social Security is going to call them. The scammers then "spoof" a number making it appear to be from the Social Security Administration and tell the victim they need to close all their bank accounts and transfer their money to bitcoin.
{snip}
Curlew said anyone seeking more information or needing to file a complaint can go to to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov or call the Little Rock office at (501) 221-9100.
{snip}