By RYAN SKAITH
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control has issued a public warning following a significant rise in cryptocurrency fraud cases across the state.
Investigators report that these sophisticated scams frequently target older adults, often leading to devastating financial losses.
Criminals are leveraging a wide array of digital platforms—including social media, dating sites, end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, and traditional phone calls—to manipulate victims. According to the Patrol, many of these schemes involve long-term "grooming" where the bad actor builds a foundation of mutual trust before ever requesting funds. Once trust is established, victims are coerced into sending Bitcoin or other virtual currencies under the guise of urgent legal issues or "guaranteed" investment returns.
Law enforcement highlights several common warning signs that indicate a potential scam:
- Extreme Urgency: Pressure to act immediately to avoid arrest or financial ruin.
- Specific Payment Methods: Requests for cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or deposits into Bitcoin kiosks.
- Unsolicited Contact: Random outreach from individuals claiming to be with government agencies, tech support, or investment firms.
- Secrecy: Instructions to hide the transaction from family members, friends, or bank employees.
The Patrol emphasizes that legitimate government agencies will never demand payment in cryptocurrency. To stay safe, the public is encouraged to use two-factor authentication (2FA) on all financial accounts, keep devices updated with strong passwords, and always verify the legitimacy of a website before logging in. If someone asks you to withdraw cash to use a Bitcoin kiosk, investigators urge you to pause and read the fraud warnings displayed on the machine.
If you believe you have been targeted, time is of the essence. Reporting scams immediately to local law enforcement or the Missouri State Highway Patrol increases the slim window of opportunity for asset recovery and prosecution. Families and caregivers are also encouraged to discuss these tactics with older adults to foster awareness.
Individuals who suspect they have been victimized can also contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.