Ye rejected a $2 million crypto scam. The scheme wanted him to promote a fraudulent investment to his 32.6 million followers. Hours later, he would claim his account was hacked. By then, victims would have lost money. He refused and cut ties with the person behind it.
Crypto fraud warning from the FBI
Scams like this are everywhere. The FBI is warning people about crypto fraud. Valentine’s Day makes things worse. Scammers use romance as bait. They target lonely people looking for love. They build trust, then strike.
It starts with a friendly message. A new connection. Someone who seems perfect. Conversations grow deeper. The victim feels safe. Then comes the hook—an “exclusive” investment tip. The scammer talks about life-changing profits. They show fake success stories. The victim believes it.
The scam moves fast. The scammer convinces the victim to send money. They promise it will double or triple. The victim sees numbers rising on a fake website. It all looks real. Excitement builds. More money is sent.
Then, the trap tightens. The victim tries to withdraw. Suddenly, there are problems. Fees must be paid. Taxes are due. More money is needed. The scammer pressures them. Victims panic and send more.
Then, silence. The scammer disappears. The FBI sees this happen every year. These scams are sophisticated. The websites look professional. The returns seem real. But behind it all, there’s nothing. Victims lose everything.
Scammers use different tactics
The FBI advises citizens to be careful. Don’t trust a stranger on the web and make new friends. Don’t trust a new acquaintance who wants your money and even an opportunity that’s too good to pass up. Cryptocurrency scams are growing in popularity.
Scammers adapt at a rapid pace. There are many techniques that scammers use. Some use impersonation of a famous name. Others use claims of financial acumen. Most use a long con, getting to know a victim first and then striking when least expected.
Ye weren’t fooled by the scam and continued on. Others won’t be so fortunate. Forewarned is forearmed. People need to ask questions first and not dive in headfirst. Check first, then invest. Trust is a scammer’s trust-breaker. Emotions are a scammer’s tool. They hold out a promise of love, a friend, or riches. And then run off with the money.
The FBI advises to stay on safe platforms. Don’t switch to private messages too soon. Never pay a person whom you haven’t met yet and double-check investment deals twice. Crypto is risky. Scammers make it worse. Education can save people from losing everything.
