Lebanon Woman Escapes Bitcoin Scam Posing as Police Officer
A Lebanon woman, Katie Mast, recently escaped a BTC scam after a convincing caller posed as a police officer. The incident highlights the growing threat of cryptocurrency fraud. Mast received a call from an individual claiming to be a police officer. He asserted that Mast had unpaid federal fines for missed jury duty, a false claim. The caller initially demanded $2,500, later reducing the amount to $500, to be deposited into a Bitcoin ATM. Mast, convinced by the lengthy call, attempted to withdraw and deposit the money. Fortunately, a concerned bystander intervened before Mast could complete the transaction. Lebanese authorities are currently investigating the case. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises that no legitimate company or government agency would demand BTC payments. Mast later realized she should have questioned the call and verified the information online. Mast's near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the importance of caution when dealing with unexpected demands, especially involving BTC. Suspicious activities can be reported at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The Lebanon police continue to investigate the case, aiming to prevent further victims and apprehend the scammers.
