Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is warning the public about a sharp rise in cryptocurrency investment scams—many of which begin with online romance schemes.
In a consumer alert issued this week, Hilgers said his office has received multiple reports of Nebraskans losing six-figure sums to fake crypto platforms. The scams often start with small investments and fabricated bank documents that appear to show rapid returns. Scammers then urge victims to invest more in pursuit of even greater profits.
Some schemes begin with a romantic connection formed online, creating emotional bonds before shifting into financial exploitation. While people of all ages have been targeted, seniors are especially at risk.
“These scammers are devastating Nebraskans and, at times, stealing someone’s entire retirement or life savings,” Hilgers said. “I urge Nebraskans to take caution with crypto investments that promise high returns with little risk.”
The Attorney General’s Office advises against sending money to anyone you’ve never met in person and warns that discussions involving encrypted messaging apps like Telegram or WhatsApp, or unfamiliar websites, are red flags.
Victims should immediately contact their bank or cryptocurrency exchange to try to freeze or trace funds and report scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. More resources are available through the Attorney General’s Consumer Affairs Response Team at 402-471-2682 or ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.gov.