Beware: Fake Law Firms Preying on Crypto Scam Victims, FBI Issues Warning

In a recent alarming trend, fake law firms and individuals posing as lawyers have been targeting victims of cryptocurrency scams, promising to recover lost digital assets. These fraudulent entities claim affiliation with reputable agencies like the FBI and CFPB to gain trust, tricking victims into paying upfront fees and providing personal information. The FBI has issued warnings about these scams, which have resulted in substantial financial losses for victims.

• Defendant: Unspecified scammers posing as lawyers and fake law firms.
• Crime: Fraudulent solicitation of services to recover lost cryptocurrency.
• Amount Defrauded: Up to $10 million reported between February 2023 and February 2024.
• Method: Scammers claim collaboration with the FBI, CFPB, and other government agencies to gain trust, requesting upfront fees and personal information.
• Sentence: Ongoing investigations; no sentences reported yet.
• Additional Penalties: None reported.
• Investigating Agencies: FBI, CFPB, and potentially other financial fraud units.
• Plea: None reported.
• Prosecutor’s Statement: Not available.

From February 2023 to February 2024, there has been a significant increase in reports of fake law firms targeting victims of previous cryptocurrency scams. These scammers approach victims through various means, including emails, phone calls, and social media, claiming they can recover lost assets for a fee. They often impersonate or falsely claim affiliation with reputable agencies such as the FBI and CFPB to lend credibility to their schemes.

The articles collectively report on a growing scam where fake law firms and individuals posing as lawyers target victims of previous cryptocurrency scams. These scammers falsely claim to be affiliated with the FBI and CFPB, promising to recover lost assets for a fee. The scam involves tricking victims into providing personal information and paying upfront costs. Between February 2023 and February 2024, victims have reported losses amounting to $10 million. The FBI advises victims to be cautious and emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not charge fees for investigating crimes.