BBB issues bitcoin scam warning

Posted on March 10, 2018
A scammer may tell you to give them a large sum of bitcoin in exchange for information that can “save your life”. (Photo courtesy Quote Catalog)

By RFD Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – The Better Business Bureau is giving a heads-up about what they say is the next evolution of a familiar scam, but with a violent twist.

In a recent email to a target, the scammer threatened to kill him. BBB Investigator Don O’Brien says it appears the victim was not in any danger, as the person who sent the email elaborated.

“I don’t really want to kill you, but if you give me $1,700 worth of bitcoin, I will not kill you and I’ll give you the information for the person who put the hit out on you so you can go to police about it,” read the email.

O’Brien advises you immediately contact your local police if you ever receive a message like that. He says the FBI has received reports of similar communications in other states as well, and encourages anyone that receives such an email to report them to its Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…