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The FBI warned on June 15 that cryptocurrency scammers are increasingly sending couriers to collect cash in person from victims, often elderly, to keep fraudulent investment schemes running while evading bank fraud detection.
In an alert published on June 15, 2026, the agency said scammers, often targeting senior citizens across the United States, are using in-person cash pickups to sustain fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes that continue to appear legitimate to victims. According to the bureau, the evolution of these Cryptocurrency Investment Scams allows criminals to bypass banking safeguards while convincing victims that their investments remain active.
The warning comes as law enforcement agencies continue to confront rising losses linked to online fraud. The FBI said the same courier methods have been used in other schemes, including grandparent scams, tech support scams and law enforcement impersonation fraud.
According to the FBI, many Cryptocurrency Investment Scams begin with unsolicited messages or online interactions designed to establish trust. Fraudsters often pose as business professionals, romantic interests or self-proclaimed cryptocurrency experts on social media and messaging platforms.
After building a relationship with the victim, scammers encourage investments in cryptocurrency and direct individuals to download specific trading applications or create accounts on purported investment platforms. Victims are instructed to send funds to domestic or international bank accounts, believing they are depositing money into legitimate trading services.
To reinforce the deception, the platforms display fabricated profits and account balances that persuade victims to continue investing.
The FBI noted that the apparent gains are entirely fictitious and are designed to encourage additional deposits.
As financial institutions become more vigilant about suspicious transfers, criminals behind Cryptocurrency Investment Scams have adapted their methods.
According to the bureau, scammers may tell victims that traditional transactions have been blocked or that additional payments are required to access their funds. In some cases, fraudulent exchanges claim that accounts have been “flagged,” prompting victims to seek alternative payment methods.
The agency explained that this is where cash couriers enter the scheme.
Once victims obtain cash, scammers arrange for couriers to collect the money either from their homes or at public meeting points. To establish trust, victims are provided with a code or the serial number of a U.S. dollar bill.
When the courier arrives, the agreed-upon password or serial number is used to verify the person’s identity.
After the exchange takes place, victims may notice an apparent increase in assets displayed in their digital wallets. However, when they attempt to withdraw profits, they are confronted with new fees, taxes or penalties, restarting the cycle of deception.
The bureau urged the public to remain vigilant against Cryptocurrency Investment Scams and avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information with unknown individuals.
“Don’t disclose your home address or agree to meet with unknown individuals to deliver cash or other valuables as part of investment activities.” — Federal Bureau of Investigation, Public Service Announcement.
The FBI also advised people to end unsolicited communications, particularly when they involve unexpected messages or wrong-number conversations.
“Do not continue with unsolicited communications with an unknown person. Cease communication after identifying the wrong number.” Federal Bureau of Investigation, Public Service Announcement.
Investigators warned individuals to be wary of “love bombing,” a manipulation tactic used to rapidly build emotional trust before exploiting victims financially.
“Beware of ‘love bombing,’ a social manipulation technique employed by online scammers and other malicious actors wherein a victim is quickly showered with praise, attention, and manipulated to feel trust and intimacy with a person prior to having their lowered guard exploited by a scam or other malicious behavior.” Federal Bureau of Investigation, Public Service Announcement.
The FBI further encouraged prospective investors to conduct extensive research before committing funds to any cryptocurrency platform. The agency recommended searching not only for company names, but also website addresses, screenshots and online reviews that could reveal fraudulent activity.
The FBI said victims of Cryptocurrency Investment Scams should report incidents through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and provide as much information as possible, including names, communication methods, cryptocurrency wallet addresses and screenshots of conversations.
Individuals aged 60 and older who require assistance filing complaints can contact the Department of Justice Elder Justice Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11.
As fraud tactics continue to evolve, authorities say awareness remains one of the most effective tools against Cryptocurrency Investment Scams. The latest warning underscores how criminals are increasingly blending digital deception with real-world interactions, making Cryptocurrency Investment Scams more sophisticated and potentially more damaging for unsuspecting victims.
Primary Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
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