WILLIMANTIC, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Connecticut State Police say they've been able to recover $180,000 for a Willimantic resident who fell victim to an international investment fraud scheme.
The investigation began last July when the resident received unsolicited text messages from an individual claiming to be a successful cryptocurrency investor.
Through what police call "sophisticated social engineering tactics," the scammer convinced the victim to transfer over $225,000 into a fraudulent investment platform, before disappearing with the funds.
Investigators were able to intercept and recover approximately 1.77 Bitcoin from the fraudulent wallet address.
The funds were safely returned to the victim on February 12 under a court order.
State Police are warning residents of warning signs in investment scams that include: unsolicited investment advice through text messages or social media; pressure to move conversations to WhatsApp or other messaging apps; claims of guaranteed high returns with no risk; romantic manipulation combined with investment pressure; requests to transfer money through cryptocurrency; and professional-looking investment platforms with no point of contact.
Many of these scammers are found to operating sophistical fraud factories across Southeast Asia.
The Connecticut State Police urges anyone who believes they may be a victim of a cryptocurrency scam to immediately contact the Virtual Currency Working Group at csp.virtualcurrency@ct.gov or your local police department.
Early reporting is critical for these investigations.
