Jasper County, Ga. – The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about cryptocurrency scams prompting financial losses.
According to a Friday social media advisory from the sheriff’s office, scammers are increasingly requesting payment in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin because transactions are fast and difficult to reverse. Once funds are sent, officials say, they are typically unrecoverable.
The office outlined several common tactics. In so-called “investment” or romance scams, someone met online builds trust before encouraging victims to invest in cryptocurrency on a special platform. Authorities say the money often disappears shortly after being transferred.
Other schemes involve impersonators claiming to represent the IRS, law enforcement, technical support services or banks. The sheriff’s office emphasized that legitimate government agencies and financial institutions will not demand payment in cryptocurrency.
Officials also warned about fake investment promoters on social media or in direct messages who promise guaranteed profits. “If it sounds too good to be true, it is,” the advisory states.
Red flags include pressure to act quickly, instructions to keep transactions secret, detailed steps on how to buy and transfer cryptocurrency, and promises of guaranteed returns.
Residents are urged not to send cryptocurrency to anyone they have not met in person and to consult a trusted friend or family member before transferring funds. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is advised to contact their bank immediately.
Young adults and first-time investors may be especially vulnerable to online investment pitches circulating on social media platforms.
Suspicious activity can be reported to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 706-468-4930.
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