³ÉÈËXÕ¾

CRIME BLOTTER

Bellevue under attack from ongoing Bitcoin scam

Sep 12, 2024, 3:25 PM

bellevue scam bitcoin...

A Bellevue Police Department vehicle. (Photo courtesy of Bellevue Police Department). INSERT: Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin physical commemorative coins .(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

The (BPD) is warning residents of the latest scam affecting the local area, suspects demanding payment from victims through Bitcoin.

According to BPD’s Public Information Officer Drew Anderson, the scam starts with a suspicious email.

More cryptocurrency scams: Washington among states most affected by cryptocurrency fraud

The email allegedly contains specific information on the victims, including photos of victims’ names and addresses.

“They really make it sound like they’ve been following the (victims) and that they know a lot of information about these residents, which then compels these individuals to buy into the scam,” Anderson told ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Newsradio.

The scam is primarily targeting older victims and non-native English speakers, threatening to release sensitive information if they don’t pay up.

King County Sheriff: Watch for scam phone calls pretending to be law enforcement

“Victims received emails with their home address, full name, and picture in the message – information that’s all legally searchable on the internet,” BPD wrote on social media. “Suspects demand bitcoin payment and threaten to release embarrassing information about the victim should they not comply.”

BPD was initially tipped off to the scam when the department received three calls about the scam on Sept. 2. Now, more than a week later, BPD is warning locals that the scam is still ongoing.

Cryptocurrency fraud at large throughout WA

The FBI recorded and logged more than 69,000 complaints from the public regarding cryptocurrency fraud — resulting in more than $5.6 billion lost — in 2023, with Washington ranking as one of the most affected states in the country.

Washington had the fifth-most complaints and the seventh-most money lost, losing more than $140 million in cryptocurrency fraud. In comparison, California lost more than $1.1 billion in 2023. Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Virginia rounded out the top 10 most affected states.

“Law enforcement can trace cryptocurrency transactions to follow money in ways not possible with other financial systems,” the FBI’s report read. “Nevertheless, since cryptocurrency also allows transfers of funds to exchanges overseas, U.S. law enforcement may encounter significant challenges when following cryptocurrency that enters other jurisdictions, especially those with lax anti-money laundering laws or regulations.”

More local scams: Scam asking for money for child’s surgery sprouts up in Lynnwood

The FBI stated there was a 45% jump in losses compared to 2022.

The types of cryptocurrency-related complaints the FBI’s  received ranged from tech support illegal schemes to investment fraud to government impersonation scams. Investment fraud with cryptocurrency was responsible for $3.9 billion of the total money lost.

Frank Sumrall is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here and you can email him here.

Crime Blotter

Dash Point State Park...

MyNorthwest Staff

Human toe found in gift-wrapped box at Dash Point State Park

A shocking find at Dash Point State Park on Father's Day leaves families in disbelief.

9 hours ago

king county assessor allegations...

James Lynch

No charges filed against King County assessor John Wilson—for now

King County Assessor John Wilson faces legal issues after arrest for allegedly stalking his ex-fiancée, Lee Keller.

10 hours ago

Lummi Nation strangle assault...

Jason Sutich

Lummi Nation member pleads not guilty to assault by strangulation

A 48-year-old Lummi Nation member is arraigned for assault by strangulation in federal court, facing serious legal implications.

10 hours ago

Belltown Hellcat Miles Hudson...

Julia Dallas and Luke Duecy

Notorious ‘Belltown Hellcat’ sentenced to jail for reckless driving

The notorious Belltown Hellcat has been sentenced to prison, marking a significant turn in the case.

15 hours ago

hit-and-run auburn...

Luke Duecy

Street takeover ends with hit-and-run that critically injures Auburn teen

An 18-year-old woman was critically injured in a hit-and-run during a street takeover on the Fourth of July in Auburn at the intersection of Lake Tapps Parkway S.E. and Lakeland Hills Way S.E., according to the Auburn Police Department.

18 hours ago

Pierce County explosives...

Jason Sutich

Pierce County man with M-80 explosives, stolen firearm, and drugs arrested after fleeing deputies

A 42-year-old man was apprehended after fleeing deputies, found with an M-80, stolen firearm, and illegal substances.

19 hours ago

Bellevue under attack from ongoing Bitcoin scam