El Paso residents recently encountered a meticulously crafted crypto scam, compelling them to part with their money. The fraud involved distributing letters, cleverly masquerading as official Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) correspondence. However, the agency’s swift intervention has now brought this to light.
The scam’s modus operandi is both unique and deeply concerning. Letters arriving at homes bear an uncanny resemblance to legitimate FBI communication. They even utilize the name and forged signature of special agent John S. Morales, a known figure within the bureau. Additionally, to enhance credibility, phrases like “UNCLASSIFED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” are plastered across these letters, alongside the actual address details of the El Paso FBI branch.
The content of these deceitful letters brings further alarm. It assures recipients that they’ve successfully protected their Bank of America account, which, it claims, was under the scrutiny of the US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL. Moreover, it issues a fictitious confirmation number, urging readers to contact an “investigation officer” for further details.
However, this leads to the crux of the scam. When unsuspecting individuals dial the provided number, they’re greeted by the fraudsters. These culprits then direct victims to deposit fiat currency or cryptocurrency on a fraudulent website they control.
Fortunately, this dubious operation caught the FBI’s attention when a vigilant El Paso citizen brought the letter to the bureau’s notice last week. In the wake of this revelation, it’s essential to underscore that the FBI never sends out letters, calls, or emails soliciting any currency.
Yet, there are more deceptive practices in El Paso. Reports have emerged of other scams, with con artists pretending to represent law enforcement agencies, utility firms, and various government departments. Residents are advised to remain wary of unsolicited communication, especially those demanding money or personal details.
