In Missouri, over 830 residents have fallen victim to cryptocurrency scams, resulting in losses amounting to tens of millions of dollars. A recent FBI report highlights this alarming trend, revealing nearly 70,000 scams have occurred nationwide in 2023, with the number increasing annually. One notable incident involved a man at a Columbia convenience store appearing frantic while attempting to use a cryptocurrency ATM, revealing the prevalence of confusion and urgency tactics employed by scammers. These frauds most often target individuals over 60 years old, a demographic vulnerable to such schemes. Experts, like Scott Christensen from the University of Missouri, emphasize that any demand for immediate cryptocurrency payments should be treated as a warning sign of fraud, since legitimate entities, including government authorities and banks, would never request payment in such a manner. Consumers are advised to make transactions through trusted methods like credit cards or banks. If someone falls victim to a cryptocurrency scam, they are encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. The report serves as a significant warning for consumers to remain vigilant against scams disguised as legitimate requests for payment.
