FBI warns of courier-driven crypto scams targeting victims
Investment scams dressed as cryptocurrency opportunities are taking a new turn, with fraudsters now dispatching couriers to collect cash directly from victims. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has flagged this evolving tactic, where criminals combine online deception with in-person pickups to bypass digital payment safeguards.
A two-step playbook for theft
The scam typically starts online, with victims lured through fake investment platforms or deceptive romantic connections. Once trust is established and victims wire funds, scammers escalate by sending couriers—often posing as delivery personnel or private service workers—to physically retrieve cash, gift cards, or other valuables. This approach removes reliance on irreversible crypto transfers, making recovery harder for victims.
Why couriers add a dangerous layer
Staying alert in a shifting threat landscape
Authorities recommend treating any unsolicited investment offer or sudden romantic connection with caution, especially when payment methods shift from digital to physical handoffs. Verifying identities, platforms, and delivery requests remains critical to avoiding these increasingly hands-on scams.
Source: BleepingComputer. AI-assisted editorial synthesis — TechnoExpress.