New York's Attorney General has filed a lawsuit to recover over $2 million in cryptocurrency stolen from individuals nationwide. The elaborate scheme targeted people seeking remote work opportunities, luring them with promises of high-paying jobs involving online product reviews.
The scam, according to Attorney General Letitia James, involved unsolicited text messages directing victims to a fraudulent website. Victims were told they needed to invest in cryptocurrency to start earning, claiming a return on investment and commission on top of their initial funds. These false promises were part of a larger scheme to steal the victims' cryptocurrencies.
The fraudulent website demanded cryptocurrency investments as a prerequisite to "market data" review jobs. Critically, funds were transferred into the perpetrators' digital wallets instead of the victims' accounts. At least seven victims, from New York, Virginia, and Florida, are identified in the lawsuit; one victim alone lost over $100,000.
"These scammers preyed on those seeking legitimate employment, taking advantage of their desire for financial stability," said James. "We will pursue all avenues to recover stolen funds and hold those responsible accountable."
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz's office, working with James', froze the stolen cryptocurrency. This collaborative approach enabled the recovery of funds held in digital wallets, ensuring the cryptocurrency is accessible for victims.
This case highlights the ongoing threat of online employment scams targeting vulnerable individuals.
