KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — Deputies are warning the public of a cryptocurrency scam that is making rounds in Kanawha County that has cost victims hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Scammers are targeting area residents, mostly the elderly, and posing as representatives for Truist Bank and PayPal, according to a news release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
The news release said victims are receiving fraudulent text messages urging potential victims to call a phone number to rectify account errors.
Investigators said victims are then directed to transfer savings into local Bitcoin ATM locations.
Deputies said individual victims have reported losing between $5,000 and $25,000.
Area residents are discouraged from responding to unknown calls or texts. Transactions may be verified by calling a trusted number or making an in-person visit to a customer’s bank.
Anyone who has been targeted or victimized is encouraged to call detectives by dialing 304-357-0556.