Another Lakewood resident has fallen victim to a sophisticated scam, highlighting a growing trend that continues to target vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens.
According to information obtained by TLS, the incident occurred this week when a Lakewood senior was contacted by scammers who convinced him that he needed to make an urgent payment. Believing the demand to be legitimate, the victim ultimately transferred approximately $10,000 through a Bitcoin machine.
Because cryptocurrency transactions are generally irreversible and difficult to trace, the funds are unlikely to be recovered.
Scammers frequently use fear, urgency, and deception to pressure victims into making payments. Common schemes involve individuals posing as government agencies, law enforcement, utility companies, financial institutions, or even family members in distress. Victims are often instructed to send money through unconventional methods such as Bitcoin, gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.
Authorities continue to stress that legitimate organizations do not typically demand immediate payment through cryptocurrency. Residents are urged to be cautious whenever they receive unexpected calls, emails, text messages, or computer pop-up warnings requesting money or personal information.
Community members, especially seniors, are encouraged to verify any suspicious request before sending funds. Experts recommend contacting a trusted family member, friend, financial institution, or law enforcement agency to confirm the legitimacy of a demand before taking any action.
With scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, officials say a simple phone call to verify a request can prevent the loss of thousands of dollars and spare victims significant financial and emotional hardship.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam is encouraged to contact local law enforcement immediately.
If children will have a good relationship with their parents, then the parents will trust their children to the extent that you can go to the bank together and set up an alert system and the child will be notified right away that a large withdrawal is pending and you can stop this theft just in time.
The banks are willing to help but you need to come to the bank.
Some banks might guide you over the phone with out coming in.
The children need to get more involved.
It’s a win win for everyone.
Please warn every Bubby & Zeidy about this.
what is sophisticated about bthis?
Every grown-up should be made to write out 100 times in their best handwriting, “ If I’m asked for something in bitcoin or cryptocurrency, it is a SCAM.”!!!
Why do people think that the government or any legitimate company wants to be paid on bitcoins or gift cards?!?!?
If they say wire the money, use zelle or send a check or credit card I can maybe hear the fear to leap before you think.
But Amazon gift cards?!?