NORTHVILLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Police in Northville Township are warning residents of a rise in scams that involve bitcoin.
According to authorities, residents have been receiving phone calls from people presenting themselves as law enforcement in an effort to scare victims into making immediate payments. Police said the scammers call victims and tell them they’re under investigation or have warrants for their arrest and that they need to send payment immediately. Payment is usually bitcoin or some form of cash transfer.
Police said one scammer obtained nearly $300,000 in cash and bitcoin from one victim who then reportedly gave the scammer gold bricks.
“We want to remind our residents that law enforcement agencies do not request payments over the phone, especially in the form of bitcoin,” said Deputy Chief Matthew MacKenzie. “If you receive a call or email claiming you are under investigation or have warrants, and the only way to resolve the issue is by making an immediate payment, it is undoubtedly a scam.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has released several warnings and tips about similar phone scams that can be read here. More information on avoiding and reporting scams can be found on the Federal Trade Commission website.
Consumer complaints can be filed online on the Attorney General’s website.
Related: ‘Pig butchering’ scams on the rise: What to know to protect yourself
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