A Warren County resident was scammed out of over $172,000 through an elaborate crypto scheme.

In recent developments, a resident of Warren County has reported losing more than $172,000 to a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This incident is part of a disturbing trend where scammers exploit victims under the guise of investment opportunities, particularly using platforms like the now-seized NFT-UNI.com. Between November 2023 and March 2024, the victim was coerced into wiring funds believed to be part of a legitimate cryptocurrency business venture, only to have the money quickly laundered through multiple bank accounts to obscure its origin. This case reflects a broader problem that has resulted in victims across various regions losing upwards of $4.5 million, showcasing the scammers' intricate methods, which often begin with building trust over social media or dating applications. The National Cybersecurity Alliance highlights this type of scam as “pig butchering”—where fraudsters patiently cultivate the victim's trust to extract large sums of money. The U.S. Secret Service, along with the FBI, is actively seeking to address these scams, urging anyone believing they might be a victim to report their situation through appropriate channels. Given the shared experiences of victims like the Maryland woman who lost $3 million in a similar scam, it’s critical for potential investors to remain vigilant against unsolicited investment proposals and verify the legitimacy of financial platforms before allocating their funds.