El Paso FBI Issues Warning About Identity Theft Crypto Scam

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in El Paso has issued a warning to the city’s residents regarding a crypto scam that convinces victims to send cryptocurrency and other funds under the guise of identity theft.

As reported by the El Paso Times, the crypto scam involves the distribution of a letter that resembles an official FBI request to city residents.

By forging special agent John S. Morales’ signature, the letter attempts to convince readers that a legitimate FBI officer sent it.

To create a sense of legitimacy, the letter includes capitalized phrases such as “UNCLASSIFIED/FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” and the address of an actual FBI branch in El Paso.

It informs the reader, “Your Bank of America account, which US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL suspected, has been successfully secured.”

After providing a bogus confirmation number, the message instructs the user to contact their investigation officer for further assistance.

When this number is dialed, scammers will direct victims to make a fiat or cryptocurrency deposit on a fraudulent website under their control.

A week ago, a resident of El Paso reported the letter to the FBI branch, which led to the discovery of the fraud. The FBI does not send letters, phone calls, or emails demanding crypto or fiat currency.

Reportedly, other scams in El Paso involve impersonating law enforcement, utility companies, and other government agencies.