UK Pensioner Scammed £170K in Crypto Romance Scam
A pensioner from Rushcliffe was recently scammed out of £170,000 after falling prey to a sophisticated "crypto romance scam" orchestrated by organized crime gangs in Nigeria.
According to reports, the woman in her 70s was conned after meeting someone online who claimed to be a US Army surgeon. After talking to the scammer for several months, she was convinced he was in love with her and needed money to end his work contract early.
The fraudster suggested that Bitcoin was the only way to transfer the funds, and he promised to pay her back once he had access to his money. The woman believed him and deposited cash into Bitcoin ATMs in Nottingham on several occasions.
When the bank noticed the large transactions, it contacted Nottinghamshire Police, who later confirmed that the woman had been scammed.
READ MORE: Here’s What Could Drive The Next Crypto Bull Market
While the pensioner was compensated £110,000 with the help of the Fraud Protect Team, she was left £60,000 out of pocket and emotionally drained after enduring months of stress and anxiety.
This case highlights the importance of being vigilant and cautious when dealing with online transactions and unknown parties.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at CoinsPress
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over five years of experience covering the industry, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics - stay ahead of the curve with CoinsPress.
