LANSING, MI – Michigan State Police is warning residents about an increase in Bitcoin fraud.
State police officials posted on social media warning that no government agency will ever ask residents to pay for fines or tickets with virtual currency or gift cards. There is always the option to pay directly with cash.
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People who are contacted by someone pretending to be a government agency trying to get them to pay with virtual currency or gift cards are encouraged to contact the actual government agency directly.
Michigan State Police is not alone in issuing such warnings to residents. Northville Township police recently reported a similar scam, where residents were reportedly scammed out of about $300,000.
Cryptocurrency fraud caused more than $5.6 billion in losses nationwide last year, a significant increase from 2022 and 2021. According to the FBI, Michiganders lost $79,894,360 to cryptocurrency fraud in 2023.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued several warnings and tips regarding similar phone scams. You can read it here. For more information about avoiding and reporting scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.
Consumer complaints can be filed online through the Attorney General’s website.
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