Veteran Warns of Bitcoin Scam After Losing Thousands

A resident of Aransas Pass, Texas, is raising awareness about a Bitcoin scam that resulted in significant financial losses. Mike Williams, a veteran who has lived in the area for more than ten years, fell victim to this scheme after he encountered a misleading pop-up message on his computer.

The pop-up claimed that his device had been hacked. Believing it to be real, Williams called the number provided for technical support. During the conversation, a scammer warned him that his financial accounts were at risk. This alarming claim heightened Williams’ fears regarding the safety of his finances.

Incident Details

Under the guise of securing his funds, the scammer persuaded Williams to withdraw cash from his bank account. He was instructed to deposit the money into what he was told was a standard ATM. Unbeknownst to him, it was actually a Bitcoin ATM, and the account was controlled by the scammer.

Over two visits to this ATM, Williams deposited substantial amounts of money. On his second visit, an employee of the store warned him against potential fraud. Despite the warning, Williams chose to proceed with the transaction.

Consequences and Actions Taken

The following day, Williams realized something was wrong and attempted to contact the scammer again, but the call was abruptly ended. He then decided to report the incident to local authorities in Aransas Pass.

In his quest for justice, Williams reached out to AARP for assistance. The organization is helping him connect with a fraud specialist to evaluate his case further.

Wider Context of Cryptocurrency Scams

Williams’ experience is reminiscent of a situation involving an 80-year-old veteran in Florida. In that case, police intervened just before the elderly individual deposited a significant sum into a Bitcoin ATM while talking to scammers posing as bank officials. Both incidents highlight the urgency tactics used by fraudsters to manipulate victims.

Statistics reported by AARP indicate that fraud and scams resulted in losses of $12.5 billion for Americans in 2024, marking an alarming record high. Seniors, particularly those in their 70s, were greatly affected, suffering a median loss of $1,000. Investment-related scams and cryptocurrency fraud emerged as some of the costliest schemes.

Advice for Prevention

In sharing his story, Williams aims to warn others, especially seniors and veterans. He urges individuals to remain skeptical of unexpected messages and phone calls. “You can’t be too careful,” he cautioned. “Don’t believe everything you see on your computer or call the numbers provided. Be very cautious.”

For anyone who may encounter similar scams, AARP advises reporting incidents to:

• The Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov
• The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360