Crypto scams are on the rise in St. Johns County, Florida, with scammers using cryptocurrency kiosks to trick victims into sending money to them. According to Detective Lea Tiota with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Property Crimes Unit, scammers often use high-pressure tactics such as fear, promise of quick financial gain, or embarrassment to manipulate victims.
Detectives say that once a scammer has control of the conversation, they guide the victim step-by-step through the process of sending money using the cryptocurrency kiosk. This can be as simple as entering a phone number or scanning a QR code, which inputs the 'address' where the money is supposed to go.
The victims are then instructed to insert U.S. cash into the kiosk, and it generates a receipt showing where the cryptocurrency was sent. Detectives warn that one of the biggest warning signs is being told to use a crypto ATM to pay someone, as this is often a sign that the transaction is suspicious.
Scammers also tell victims to throw away the receipt or not take one at all, because it can help investigators track where the money went. Detective Bobby Fultz with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office notes that loneliness can play a major role in these scams, as scammers are often skilled at gaining trust by being 'very good listeners.'
The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and Florida's Seniors vs. Crime Division have seen an increase in cases involving seniors who have been targeted by these scams. Scott Herrington with the Seniors vs. Crime Division warns that seniors should watch for red flags such as anyone who demands all the money up front, won't provide a business address, or refuses to give a written contract.