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ATTENTION ALL MERCER COUNTY RESIDENTS
Scammers have reached new lows, targeting honest citizens with increasingly deceptive schemes. A recent warning from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reveals a disturbing new scam aimed at people who have already lost money — especially in cryptocurrency fraud.
Here’s how it works: after being scammed, you may feel desperate to recover your money. That’s when a supposed “law firm” contacts you, claiming to work with the U.S. government to help victims get justice and funds returned. While this may sound legitimate, the FBI warns it’s often just another scam targeting the already victimized.
HOW TO SPOT THIS SCAM
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Fake law firms & document. Scammers may impersonate real attorneys or firms and present convincing, but fraudulent, paperwork. No law firm is officially authorized to partner with the U.S. government — any such claim is a major red flag.
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Bogus agencies. Beware of references to fake entities like the “International Financing Trading Commission.” Always verify whether an agency actually exists.
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“Victim lists” & crypto recovery claims. Scammers may say your name was found on a government victim list and refer to themselves as a “crypto recovery law firm.”
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Foreign bank ploys. They may claim your funds are being held in a foreign bank account and direct you to open an account on a fraudulent website designed to steal more money.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
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The FBI recommends using a ZERO TRUST approach: trust no one by default and verify every request before taking any action. Stay alert — and share this information to protect others.
Below are a few examples of scams that are very prevalent
at this time - just in case you haven't heard about them.
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