INVESTMENT FRAUD

Cryptocurrency investment scams are on the rise. These scammers seek victims on social media, dating apps, and text messaging apps. Under the leadership of Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office combats internet scams with preventive measures and public education. A virtual currency unit has been established that deals with such crimes and advocates for increased protection measures.
 
SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS TRYING TO INVOLVE YOU INTO A CRYPTOCURRENCY SCAM
• You are added to a WhatsApp or Telegram group chat that offers advice on how to invest in cryptocurrency and promises to get rich quick.
• You receive the “wrong message” from a stranger who is trying to make friends and talking about how much money he has made investing in cryptocurrency.
• Someone on Facebook posts and brags about how much money they've made in cryptocurrency and says they can help you get rich.
• Someone you have never met in person begins to give you advice and promises about investing in cryptocurrency; investment returns seem too good to be true.
• A financial advisor or cryptocurrency customer service communicates with you via Telegram or WhatsApp.
• You can receive small amounts of money at the beginning, but you cannot withdraw money without having to pay tax or an additional fee.
• You will be asked to download an app to track your investments from a cryptocurrency website from a company you have never heard of before.
• You are asked to hand over large sums of cash to the company courier in person.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?
• Check if the company is legit. Check if the company has a license to operate
in New York State. Call
New York State Department of Finance. Financial hotline
Department: 800-342-3736 or
visit their website at: www.dfs.ny.gov/who_we_supervise
• Do not trust cryptocurrency investments. Opportunities that seem too good may not always be true.
• Do not download investment apps from websites that are not verified for cryptocurrency investing.
• Don't install apps that force you to override your phone's security features.
• Do not make a cryptocurrency investment based on the advice of someone you have never met in person.
• Never download programs like AnyDesk that allow remote access to your computer.
• Don't pay extra money to try to get your investment back from a cryptocurrency website.
"By increasing awareness and knowledge in our communities to protect ourselves, we can combat online scammers. Let's work together to keep Brooklyn safe," District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

Need help or want
report fraud?
Brooklyn District
prosecutor's office: 718-250-2340

Interview with Alexander
Gurevich, senior
Deputy Office Director
Brooklyn District Attorney
public relations,
recorded by Marina Lagunova