CINCINNATI, OH — A 73-year-old Delhi Township woman has regained more than $35,000 lost in a cryptocurrency scam, thanks to the quick action of local police and a specialized unit within the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), state Attorney General Dave Yost and Delhi Township Police Chief Jeff Braun announced this week.
The victim fell prey to a sophisticated cyber scheme in August 2024, after a pop-up message on her laptop falsely claimed her computer had been hacked. Believing she was contacting Microsoft, she called a listed number and was instructed by the scammer to withdraw large sums of cash and convert it into Bitcoin using a local ATM. In total, she transferred $41,750 across multiple transactions.
Fortunately, the woman realized she had been scammed and immediately contacted the Delhi Township Police Department. The department, in turn, requested help from BCI’s Electronic Financial Investigations unit. Investigators traced the transactions, froze further transfers, and through search warrants and a court order, successfully recovered $35,600.
“This case illustrates the elaborate traps that crypto criminals use to scam their victims,” said Attorney General Yost. “Thankfully, because the victim notified authorities quickly, BCI was able to recover most of the stolen money.”
Police Chief Braun praised the collaboration, saying, “Their expertise and collaborative approach in investigating electronic fraud and recovering stolen funds were invaluable. This partnership strengthens our ability to protect and support our community from scams like these.”
Fighting Electronic Financial Crimes
BCI’s Electronic Financial Investigations unit focuses on complex cases involving cryptocurrency fraud, racketeering, and corruption. By bringing together agents from multiple specialized areas—such as cybercrime, forensic accounting, and public corruption—the unit supports local and federal law enforcement in tracking and recovering stolen digital assets.
Law enforcement agencies in need of assistance can contact BCI at 855-BCI-OHIO or email [email protected].
Warning Signs of Crypto Scams
Officials urge the public to stay vigilant against schemes that pressure victims to deposit large amounts of cash into Bitcoin ATMs. Red flags include:
- Claims of a hacked computer or virus
- Demands for bail or fines
- Threats to release personal content or photos
- Requests from online romantic partners you’ve never met
If you or someone you know encounters a suspected scam, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.
