DeutschThe boom or the current crash around Bitcoin, Ethereum and Co. attracts not only investors, but also criminals. Increasingly, fraudsters exploit the greed for quick profits and feign reputable investment transactions. The police warn: Anyone who wants to invest in cryptocurrencies should be on their guard – and above all bring one thing: skepticism.
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«Offers with above-average profits are highly suspicious», the Göttingen police in Germany make clear in a press release. Nevertheless, more and more people are falling for such promises. The perpetrators act professionally: They build trust with deceptively genuine-looking websites and alleged investment platforms. Customers see supposedly rising profits there, sometimes in five-digit amounts. But the accounts only exist on the screen – in reality, the money has long disappeared.
Crypto Scam: Police Warns of New Scam
The trick is often the same: Anyone who wants to pay out their «profits» should suddenly make further payments. This is justified with alleged taxes, fees or approvals. Some victims pay a second, third time – hoping to get to their capital. In the end, the account is empty. Even more perfidious is a variant that the police recently observed. Victims suddenly receive messages from alleged organizations that promise repayments. Formulations such as «According to the requirements of Bafin, you are entitled to a refund» are intended to convey seriousness. But that is also just a scam. The goal is to get those affected to make payments again or to gain access to their computers and bank accounts.
«Legal financial advisors do not use remote maintenance software», the police emphasize. So anyone who is asked to download a program for screen sharing should immediately become suspicious. According to the police, cases of investment fraud on the Internet are increasing – also around Göttingen. The sums of damage are enormous: It is not uncommon for injured parties to lose amounts between 50,000 and 100,000 euros. According to the investigators, it is no longer just individual perpetrators, but well-organized gangs. The simple reason why people still fall for the scams is that the websites look reputable, the contact persons are friendly and competent. In an area where many only have half-knowledge anyway, false promises are difficult to distinguish from real opportunities.
How Crypto Investors Can Protect Themselves
The police advise to exercise special caution with crypto offers: do not disclose any personal data on the phone, never grant strangers access to the computer or smartphone, do not pay any advance fees for payouts, check providers of apps and platforms carefully and consult with your own bank before making an investment. Also, do not be fooled by supposed helpers who want to «get back lost money». This is almost always the same fraudsters – only with a new mask.
Anyone who has already lost money should act quickly. The police recommend: immediately file a complaint and inform your own bank or credit card provider to have a reversal or blocking checked. Important evidence such as e-mails or chat logs should be secured by screenshot. In addition, passwords must be changed, two-factor authentication must be activated and any installed remote access programs must be deleted. Important: «The police never ask for money to speed up refunds», according to the authorities. Anyone who receives such a request is inevitably dealing with fraudsters.
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Cryptocurrencies are no longer a niche product. According to data from the industry portal Statista, over half a million people in Switzerland already own digital coins. The warnings from the police show that the business with fast money also has its downsides. There is often only a fine line between the innovative financial world and criminal machinations. Therefore, investors should remain vigilant, question promises and, if in doubt, rather forego a supposed return opportunity. Because one thing is certain – the fraudsters do not sleep. (mck)
