FBI warns crypto courier cash scams are on the rise

The FBI warns that scams involving cryptocurrency investment are escalating, with fraudsters using cash pickups by couriers to circumvent bank checks. Victims are lured through unsolicited communications, often believing they need to pay 'fines' or upscale their investments via cash couriers. This technique allows scammers to create a façade of legitimacy by providing codes to authenticate the couriers. The FBI noted nearly 73,000 cases of investment fraud last year, resulting in over $8.6 billion in losses.

Victims are advised to protect personal information, be wary of unsolicited contacts, and to verify identities before engaging with potential scammers.