A surge in scams affecting residents of Webster Parish has prompted the Minden Police Department to issue a warning regarding fraudulent activities linked to Bitcoin transactions. Detective Sgt. Smith of the Minden Police Department emphasized the prevalence of scams, urging citizens to remain vigilant against deceptive messages circulating on Facebook.
Per Sgt. Smith, scammers exploit various tactics, including a “Cash App glitch” or promises of financial “blessings” to lure conspirators. Contrary to the claims, these schemes involve the use of counterfeit, washed, or stolen checks, uploaded into individuals’ bank accounts. Funds are then converted into Bitcoin through Cash App and transferred to the perpetrators, implicating those individuals in money laundering and theft.
Sgt. Smith highlighted the legal consequences for those involved, emphasizing the potential for prosecution in a court of law. “I want people to know that there are no such things as ‘blessings’ or ‘glitches.’ It’s real money that is being stolen. You’re going to be held liable,” said Smith.
The scams also extend beyond individual victims, with local companies targeted. In one case, a company was deceived into purchasing purportedly necessary equipment via Bitcoin for an upcoming meeting. “It all sounded very legit, and what added legitimacy to it was that they spoofed the real manager’s phone number and texted her from that phone number,” said Smith.
Another variation involves employment ads, where individuals seeking data entry positions pay for training software through Cash App. Sgt. Smith warned that once involved, victims become conduits for transferring funds through their own accounts to a supposed parent corporation, leading to legal repercussions. “I understand that people fall for these things, but we have to ask ourselves, ‘Should a reasonable person know that sending and receiving funds for a parent corporation inside of your own personal bank accounts is legit?’”
The victim whose money has been stolen may be in one state, the middle man who received the “blessing” may be in another, and the thief who perpetuated the scam may be in a third state or even out of the country.
Despite a delay in receiving crime data, Sgt. Smith assured the public that the Minden Police Department is actively pursuing cases, currently totaling $300,000, with victims facing significant financial losses. Sgt. Smith cautioned against falling prey to these schemes, urging community awareness.