NACOGDOCHES, TX – The Nacogdoches Police Department (NPD) is warning residents about an increase in scams involving large sums of money, particularly those involving Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency kiosks located at convenience stores and retail establishments.
NPD is urging residents to remain vigilant, recognize the warning signs of these scams, and look out for family members, friends, and others who may unknowingly be falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
These scams can take many forms, but they frequently begin with a telephone call that appears to originate from a legitimate local business, government agency, or law enforcement agency. Scammers often use technology to disguise their actual telephone numbers, making the calls appear credible.
In many cases, the caller falsely claims that the intended victim has an outstanding arrest warrant, failed to appear for jury duty, or faces some other legal consequence. The scammer then demands immediate payment to avoid arrest or additional penalties.
The Nacogdoches Police Department wants to make one thing absolutely clear: Law enforcement agencies do not demand payment through Bitcoin or cryptocurrency kiosks to prevent an arrest.
Victims are frequently instructed to withdraw large sums of cash and deposit the money into cryptocurrency machines located at local convenience stores. Once the transaction is completed, recovering the funds can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Unfortunately, many victims do not realize they have been scammed until after the money has been deposited. In other cases, family members or friends recognize the fraud only after the financial loss has occurred.
Individuals who do not routinely purchase or invest in cryptocurrency should be especially cautious about anyone directing them to use one of these machines. No legitimate law enforcement agency, utility provider, financial institution, or government agency will require payment through a cryptocurrency kiosk to avoid arrest, prevent utility disconnection, resolve banking issues, or pay outstanding fees.
Texas has one of the highest concentrations of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency kiosks in the nation. Reports also indicate that Texans have suffered tens of millions of dollars in losses associated with cryptocurrency-related scams. Law enforcement believes actual losses may be substantially higher because many victims never report these crimes due to embarrassment, fear, or humiliation.
NPD Asks the Community to Help Prevent These Crimes
The Nacogdoches Police Department is asking residents, convenience store employees, and local business owners to be especially observant of individuals making large cash deposits into cryptocurrency kiosks.
If you observe someone who appears confused, frightened, distressed, or is receiving instructions over the telephone while depositing money into one of these machines, they may be in the process of being scammed.
If you believe someone is being victimized, please notify law enforcement immediately. Your actions could prevent someone from losing thousands of dollars, or even their life savings.
NPD also encourages residents to speak with elderly family members, friends, and neighbors about these scams. While anyone can become a victim, scammers frequently target individuals they believe may be more susceptible to intimidation or deception.
Remember, scammers rely on fear, urgency, and confusion to convince victims to act before they have an opportunity to question what they are being told.
If someone calls demanding money and instructs you to deposit cash into a Bitcoin or cryptocurrency machine, STOP. Do not send the money. Hang up and contact the agency or business directly using a verified telephone number.
The Nacogdoches Police Department remains committed to protecting our community through public awareness, education, and proactive crime prevention.
Remember: A simple phone call to law enforcement before sending money could save you or someone you love from a devastating financial loss
