CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -This National Consumer Protection Week, we’re helping you protect your money, in many cases, a life savings, from potential scammers.
The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office says computer or technology scams are among the most popular ones targeting seniors right now.
They’re even using cryptocurrency to confuse well-educated people, convincing them to part with thousands.
In 2023 the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s office took on a computer and technology scam using cryptocurrency kiosks. They’re found in corner stores and gas stations all over the city.
Scammers and robocallers utilized Bitcoin of America’s lack of consumer protection and reached local victims, creating a sense of urgency, claiming their bank had been compromised.
Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Rogalski says they convinced them to enter cash in to these machines, to a designated cryptocurrency wallet.
“The victims were a retired CEO, another victim was an accountant. They were people that were embarrassed that it happened to them, but they all described the panic in the moment. They thought that if they didn’t do what the scammer asked them to do right then and there, that they’re going to lose all their life savings,” said Rogalski.
Watch our story to see what these scammers said to convince these victims to convert their cash to cryptocurrency, only for it to be stolen.
To report a scam, contact the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad at 216-443-SCAM
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