Scammers tricked victims into downloading a fake mobile crypto exchange app, and stole their funds if they made a transfer.
Crypto-related fraud is becoming more sophisticated, and law enforcement is stepping up. On Thursday, November 13, Federal authorities have seized and forfeited over $1.18 million in crypto connected to an international fraud and money laundering scheme.
The forfeiture, led by the U.S. Secret Service, was against a group involved in a scheme that prayed on U.S. citizens. Specifically, criminals impersonated legitimate crypto advisors, and using high-pressure tactics to trick victims into transferring their assets to their accounts. The funds were then liquidated into fiat currency.
The investigation started when a real estate agent in Richmond Hill, Georgia reported suspicious activity from a prospective buyer. The supposed buyer claimed to be a crypto millionaire and insisted on complicated crypto transactions. He also pressured the agent to download a fake mobile app to make the deal.
The app looked like a legitimate crypto platform. However, it was actually controlled by the scammers, and used to steal funds once the victims made a transfer. The U.S. Secret Service then saw a broader pattern, with another victim in North Carolina falling prey to the same fake app.


