Tucson is now at the center of a worrying growing phenomenon: the increase in scams related to Bitcoin.
Experts issue a clear warning, highlighting how these deceptive operations particularly target le persone anziane, considered the perfect victims by cybercriminals.
Brian Watson, expert in security and fraud prevention, discussed it with journalist Devyn Shea during a recent episode of the program _Tucson Now_ on 13 News, bringing to light the details of this new criminal front based on cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin Scams: the currency of the future in the wrong hands
Increasingly associated with the future of global finance, Bitcoin has also become a powerful tool in the hands of scammers.
Its decentralized nature and the apparent anonymity it offers make it difficult to trace any fraudulent transactions, encouraging criminals to use it to steal money from unsuspecting citizens.
According to the analysis by Watson, fraudsters often operate by disguising themselves as government agencies, reliable companies, or legal authorities, threatening victims or luring them with false promises of profit.
But the crucial point is that the majority of users, especially the less experienced ones, do not understand well how cryptocurrencies work, thus making themselves vulnerable to sophisticated deception techniques.
One of the key elements of this new wave of scams is the identification of the most affected profile: gli adulti più anziani.
According to Watson, there are several reasons behind this trend. Firstly, many elderly people are not familiar with new technologies, nor with digital payment systems.
Secondly, they tend to trust appearances and believe more in the perceived authority of a well-crafted phone call or email.
A threatening phone call or an urgent request via email is enough to push them to act hastily, often purchasing cryptocurrencies to send to digital wallets controlled by the scammers.
Once the transaction is completed, recovering the funds becomes almost impossible. The techniques employed by criminals are increasingly sophisticated.
In some cases, attackers contact victims simulating legal or fiscal emergencies, pretending to be law enforcement agents or representatives of the IRS (the United States Internal Revenue Service), claiming that the victim must pay a fine or a tax via Bitcoin.
Other times, scammers adopt a friendly tone, presenting themselves as experienced investors, promising quick and guaranteed profits with investments in cryptocurrency.
How to Protect Yourself: The Role of Education
In any case, the victims are thus guided step by step in the purchase and transfer of funds, with the illusion that their money will grow quickly.
Watson highlights how these operations are often supported by fake websites, spoofed phone numbers, and emails cloned from real institutions: tools specifically designed to gain the trust of those who lack the skills to recognize these warning signs.
The key to countering this resurgence of digital scams is, according to experts, prevention through information.
Families, communities, and authorities must contribute to educating the most vulnerable segments of the population, teaching not only what Bitcoin is, but also how to recognize a scam.
Watson invites citizens to stay alert and to never give in to emotional pressure:
“If someone asks you to make an urgent payment in Bitcoin, it is the first sign that something is wrong.” It is essential to immediately contact the authorities or a trusted family member before taking any action.
Among the practical advice, Watson recommends to:
- – Do not buy Bitcoin on behalf of other subjects
- – Never share the information of your digital wallet
- – Always verify the identity of those requesting payments
- – Report any suspicious communication to the local police
The collaboration between local media and security industry professionals is essential to spread awareness and help the population defend themselves against digital threats.
Brian Watson emphasized, during the interview, the importance of following official channels to receive updates on new fraud schemes.
Calm, verify, prevention: three key words for safety
The phenomenon of scams via Bitcoin fits into a broader context, that of digital frauds that are increasingly complex and insidious.
But not all is lost. By staying informed, adopting a critical mindset, and consulting experts in moments of doubt, it is possible to avoid falling into the traps of those who exploit our trust to get rich.
It is necessary to promote a culture of conscious prevention, in which every citizen, whether young or old, is able to recognize false alarms and real dangers. “The best antivirus,” concludes Watson, “is caution.”
The phenomenon is on the rise and requires maximum attention. In Tucson, as in the rest of the world, the battle against digital scams related to cryptocurrencies has just begun.
