WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau Police are warning residents of a new Cryptocurrency email scam.
Officers say the emails appear to confirm a PayPal crypto transaction. But in many cases, the recipient hasn’t purchased any digital currencies.
The message then contains instructions to call a toll-free number to cancel the transaction within two days.
In a Facebook post, officers encourage anyone who has received these messages to delete them immediately and not interact by calling a number listed in the email or clicking any links, especially if they haven’t made a purchase.
Screenshot of a crypto scam circulating in Wausau. Image courtesy: Wausau PD/Facebook
Calling the number will connect you with the scammers, who will then pressure you to turn over personal information. Clicking a link could lead to malware being installed on your device, which would also put sensitive data at risk. Officers add that you can also verify the transaction by logging in to your PayPal account.
Officers encourage residents to “Stay alert! If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov. If your case involves a known suspect or actual loss of money, contact the Wausau Police Department.”