Local law enforcement officials have reported several incidents in which miscreants tried to convince citizens as if they needed to post bail or pay thousands of dollars in legal fees. In most cases, the scammers pose as a family member who is supposedly under arrest, and the fake “policeman” demands bitcoins from the potential victim to pay for a lawyer.<br
Scammers often fake phone numbers so as not to arouse suspicion. Fraudsters also present themselves as employees ready to assist in recovering lost funds through a third-party “cyber agency” in exchange for more money. Criminals use strong pressure and intimidation tactics to get payment as quickly as possible. However, the police warned citizens not to rush to give money to strangers.
In such cases, it is advisable to ask officers to confirm their identity. For example, ask for a police badge or police ID number and then verify that information by calling your local police department.
Recall that teenagers in Canada were recently found stealing $4 million worth of bitcoins and ethers from a U.S. citizen. The extortionists posed as Coinbase support staff.<br