A new wave of cybercrime has emerged in Pinellas County, Florida, where residents are being targeted by an elaborate cryptocurrency scam disguised as legitimate antivirus software alerts.
Victims report receiving pop-up notifications that appear to originate from McAfee, warning of malware infections or system compromises.
These fake alerts are crafted to create urgency and fear, prompting users to call a bogus customer support number. Once contact is made, scammers persuade victims to allow remote access to their computers under the pretense of technical assistance.
From there, the criminals take full control of the victim’s device, exposing sensitive data and opening the door to financial theft.
Scammers Employ Coercive Tactics to Extract Crypto and Gold
After gaining remote access, the scammers employ psychological manipulation and coercive tactics to extract money.
Victims are often instructed to make high-value purchases of cryptocurrency or gold, or to withdraw large sums of cash and deposit them into Bitcoin ATMs.
These ATMs serve as the main conduit through which funds are siphoned off, usually by third-party couriers who collect the transfers and help launder the stolen assets.
In one reported instance, the losses reached a staggering $530,000, reflecting both the sophistication of the operation and the vulnerability of those targeted.
The multi-layered approach ensures that once the money leaves a victim’s hands, tracing and recovering it becomes nearly impossible.
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Law Enforcement Responds with Urgent Public Warning
Recognizing the severity of the threat, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public warning, urging residents to exercise extreme caution when confronted with unsolicited tech support alerts or unknown phone calls.
Authorities stressed the importance of not disclosing personal information, banking credentials, or granting remote access to any individual without verified credentials.
A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office emphasized that legitimate companies do not initiate support calls or send alarming pop-ups that require immediate action.
They advised all residents to immediately report suspicious behavior and refrain from acting under pressure.
Also Read: Australian Authorities Intensify Crackdown on Fraudsters Impersonating Binance in Crypto Scams
Awareness and Quick Action Are Vital to Stopping These Scams
Officials are calling on the community to stay informed and proactive in order to combat these increasingly sophisticated cybercrimes.
Timely reporting plays a critical role, as early intervention can sometimes help contain financial losses or prevent additional victims from being scammed.
Law enforcement is also encouraging residents to share information with family members, especially elderly relatives who are more likely to fall prey to tech-based fraud.
By promoting awareness and encouraging dialogue, authorities hope to strengthen community resilience and make it more difficult for scammers to succeed.
Recent Global Incidents Show Crypto Scams Are a Growing Trend
The scam in Florida is not an isolated event. Similar schemes have plagued other regions, with South Carolina reporting $3.1 million in losses from cryptocurrency fraud in the past year, many involving Bitcoin ATMs.
In South Korea, authorities recovered $9.3 million in stolen Bitcoin from a scammer who specifically targeted elderly citizens and North Korean defectors through a deceptive investment scheme.
Meanwhile, in Australia, a major bank faced backlash after freezing a customer’s $30,000 transfer to a crypto exchange, raising concerns over growing regulatory scrutiny.
Together, these incidents highlight a global pattern: as cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream, so do the methods used by criminals to exploit it.
Also Read: US Authorities To Return $7M To Victims Of Crypto Investment Scam, Report