Quick-thinking Clerk Prevents $30,000 Crypto Scam Targeting Elderly Victim
A vigilant clerk in Liberty, Missouri, thwarted a $30,000 cryptocurrency scam targeting an elderly shopper. The clerk noticed the man using a crypto ATM while speaking on the phone and alerted police before any funds were transferred.
Authorities revealed the victim believed his computer was infected with a virus. A scammer posing as Microsoft support had convinced him to withdraw money via a cryptocurrency ATM to resolve the issue. Liberty Deputy Police Chief Matt Kellogg noted such scams are increasingly common, particularly among older adults.
The Kansas City region has seen over $3 million lost to similar schemes. Scammers typically maintain phone contact throughout the transaction, instructing victims to keep the activity secret from bank tellers or law enforcement.
