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The Morganton Department of Public Safety issued a news release to make the public aware of an ongoing scam involving cryptocurrency machines located throughout the City of Morganton. Scammers are contacting individuals by phone, text, or email and directing them to deposit money into cryptocurrency machines, often claiming or using actual police officers names and the payment is related to law enforcement matters, court issues, utility bills, or other financial problems that must be resolved immediately. Once money is deposited into a cryptocurrency machine and submitted, it is typically unrecoverable.
According to the news release, these cases are extremely difficult to investigate. Cryptocurrency transactions are fast, irreversible, and not tied to traditional personal identifiers. Scammers often hide behind anonymous digital wallets, fake identities, and spoofed communication methods, making suspects difficult to identify. Funds are usually moved quickly through multiple wallets, cryptocurrency ATMs, or international exchanges, placing them outside local jurisdiction and complicating recovery efforts.
By the time victims report the crime, the funds have often already been dispersed, and the rapidly evolving nature of cryptocurrency technology further challenges investigations. In an effort to slow the spread of these scams, city officials have created an informational flyer to distribute to citizens during calls for service. These flyers will also be placed in the lobby of headquarters for walk-in visitors and, when permitted by businesses, posted near cryptocurrency machines. If you have any questions in regards to cryptocurrency scams, call 828-437-1211.