Fraudsters began offering to return confiscated crypto assets on behalf of the FBI

Fraudsters pose as authorized lawyers from government agencies, including the FBI, and offer assistance in returning previously lost or confiscated digital assets. The criminals targeted victims of crypto fraudsters seeking to get their funds back.

“According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, from February 2023 to February 2024, victims of cryptocurrency scams who sought help from bogus law firms reported losses totaling more than $9.9 million,” the FBI announcement said.

Most often, scammers found their victims on social networks, Internet chats and by luring them to fake websites where victims tried to get legal help. The FBI advised to be wary of advertisements for cryptocurrency return services, especially those that use vague language but make promises to return funds. Especially in cases where pseudo-lawyers require clients to make an advance payment, as well as provide sensitive financial information and personal data. The FBI previously warned about scammers who offer “dream jobs from home” and convince potential employees to transfer cryptocurrency.