Scammers are targeting Nebraska and Iowa residents with a bitcoin scam. The FBI Omaha Division issued the warning to residents.
The email demands people obtain and pay in bitcoin to avoid harm to them or to their family. Public Affairs Officer Huston Pullen says, "Whenever somebody gets something where it is threatening to hurt them or hurt loved ones, that is definitely when red flags go up. We take these matters very seriously and we want to make sure people know they can do something about it."
Pullen says these scammers prey on people's fears and whatever they can to get you to fall for their scam. He says if you get one of these emails, don't panic. Make sure that you are following through on a logical approach as a lot of these emails prey on your lack of knowledge. Everyone is susceptible to this type of crime.
The FIB says there are things you can do to protect yourself against fraud. Never give out personal information to someone you did not initiate contact with. Before signing up for a contest or email distribution list, make sure the business has a policy not to share your information with a third party. Be leery of anyone you did not contact with who asks for payment using a third party such as a MoneyGram or GreenDot prepaid card.
Pullen says the FBI also has a convenient way for the public to report questionable email, phone calls or an internet crime. The public can file a complaint through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov or by clicking here. He says the FBI will look at them and properly hand the situation with a goal of making everyone safe.