The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an increase in cryptocurrency-related scams targeting individuals throughout the area.
Scammers are posing as law enforcement officers, government officials, bank representatives, or even utility companies. They may contact by phone, text, email, or social media and claim that you have a warrant for your arrest, bank account has been compromised, or that you owe fines or fees that must be paid immediately.
They then instruct victims to send money using cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, often directing them to a crypto ATM or online transfer.
Law enforcement will never call and demand payment. No legitimate agency will require payment in cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency transactions are not reversible and are extremely difficult to trace. Scammers often spoof phone numbers to appear legitimate.
Do not send money to anyone you do not know or have not met in person. Never provide personal or financial information to unknown callers. Hang up and verify the call by contacting the agency directly. Be cautious of urgent or threatening language that is meant to pressure you.
Law enforcement asks that victims report the incident to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office immediately. Notify your bank or financial institution. Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. When in doubt, hang up and call the PCSO directly.
