Cryptocurrency fraud cases are on the rise, as indicated by Detective Nezar Hamze of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Currently, the ACSO is actively looking into 15 instances of cryptocurrency scams, which is more than double the number recorded throughout the entirety of 2023, according to Hamze. These elaborate digital currency schemes can take various forms, often initiating through phone calls or pop-up messages on computers. The primary objective for scammers is to persuade individuals to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and transfer it to a Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency machine functioning as an ATM. Once the transaction is completed, the funds are irretrievable, as emphasized by Hamze. Perpetrators, typically operating from overseas, masquerade as government entities issuing warrants or making threats of legal repercussions or arrests if immediate payment is not made. Hamze noted the high level of professionalism exhibited by these scammers, highlighting their ability to convincingly impersonate authoritative figures to deceive victims. In some cases, scammers falsely claim that individuals have won a prize and must prepay taxes before receiving the full amount. They may also resort to tactics like displaying pop-up messages warning of hacked account information or computer viruses, urging targets to convert their bank funds to cryptocurrency for security reasons. Hamze advises individuals to be cautious and promptly disconnect from any suspicious calls or messages. If you suspect a scam or have fallen victim to one, Hamze recommends contacting the non-emergency line of your local law enforcement agency for assistance.