Bitcoin theft attempt stopped – Russian attacker attempts scam on elderly residents

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/coweta-county-bitcon-con-deputy-rescues-man

Hi all

Some refreshing news today regarding the attempt of a Bitcoin scammer to gain more than $27,000 ($44,000 in total) where the attack was intercepted by local police. The con-man impersonated a federal officer saying he can pay his fine 'easily in Bitcoin, or a cryptocurrency of your choosing' which was enough of a red flag for the respondent to raise this to the actual local police.

Unfortunately the elderly man had already transferred $17,000 and due to Bitcoin's inability to be traced, the money cannot be recovered easily. Whilst the money is lost, the attacker lost out on the further $27,000, though he will likely try again.

There is incredible amounts of scamming going on in the industry now – had anyone else received these calls before? It's crazy to think how many people fall for the scams and how much money they must be banking, and because Bitcoin is transmitted on an open ledger, people are more likely to fall for it thinking it's safe.