Aransas Pass Veteran Warns Others After Losing Thousands in Bitcoin Scam
In Aransas Pass, Texas, a veteran is warning others about the dangers of a Bitcoin scam that cost him thousands of dollars. Mike Williams shared his experience in hopes of preventing similar incidents, particularly among seniors and veterans.
Details of the Scam
Williams, a resident of Aransas Pass for over 12 years, became a victim after encountering a pop-up on his computer. The pop-up falsely claimed that his device had been hacked. Trusting the legitimate-looking technical support number provided, he called and spoke to a man who warned him about risks to his financial accounts.
Deceptive Tactics
- Urgency Created: The scammer alarmed Williams by stating, “Your financial sites will be in danger.”
- Withdrawal and Deposit: After being convinced, he withdrew cash from his bank and deposited it into what he thought was a standard ATM.
- Bitcoin ATM Revelation: It turned out to be a Bitcoin machine controlled by the scammer.
On two separate occasions, Williams deposited large sums of cash. During his second visit, a store employee warned him about potential fraud. Despite the advice, he proceeded with the transaction.
Aftermath and Reporting
The following day, Williams realized he had been scammed. When he tried to confront the scammer by phone, the call ended abruptly. He then reported the incident to Aransas Pass police and reached out to AARP for assistance.
Connection to Broader Issues
Williams found parallels between his situation and another case involving an elderly veteran in Florida. In that instance, authorities had to intervene when the man was on the phone with scammers while trying to deposit a significant amount into a Bitcoin ATM.
Statistics on Scams
AARP reported alarming statistics for 2024. Americans experienced a total of $12.5 billion in losses due to scams, the highest figure ever recorded. Seniors, particularly those in their 70s, reported a median loss of $1,000. Investment and cryptocurrency scams were notably harmful.
Advice and Resources
Williams hopes that by sharing his story, he can empower others to be vigilant. His key message is one of caution: “You can’t be too careful. Don’t believe everything that you read on that computer or call numbers.”
For those who suspect they have fallen victim to a scam, AARP recommends reporting the incident to:
- Federal Trade Commission:reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center:IC3.gov
- AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
AARP fraud specialists are available to assist victims and help navigate the reporting process. Sharing experiences like Williams’s can help inform and protect others from falling into similar traps.
