MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Officials from the Mattoon Police Department issued an alert via social media on Wednesday warning people to beware of scams.
Officials wrote that a common scam making its rounds lately has involved people being asked to send money to scammers through cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or putting money on a gift card. The scammers have also claimed that there is an urgent need for the money, including to avoid criminal charges or to avoid losing money due to a hacked bank account.
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The scammers have also claimed that victims will get their money back once it has been sent through cryptocurrency.
Mattoon Police said that no legitimate business or organization will ever request money sent through cryptocurrency or gift cards. If ever in doubt, people can contact local law enforcement and speak to an officer in person before making any transactions.
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