SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers and Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi are warning residents about cryptocurrency and bitcoin scams that have cost victims more than $624,000 since the beginning of 2024.
Twenty-nine victims have come forward in Springfield, with most of the money fraudulently taken through bitcoin machines typically located in convenience stores.
Victims have traveled to Springfield from locations ranging from nearby Wilbraham to Connecticut and upstate New York to deposit cash into bitcoin machines in the city.
Criminals convince victims over the phone to go to designated machines and deposit arranged amounts of money, with deposits ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
The majority of victims are elderly, though ages range from their twenties to nineties.
“We are urging our community to help us get the word out about these scams,” Akers said.
“There is no lawful reason that anyone would ask you to deposit your money into bitcoin machines.”
Akers said police, the sheriff’s department and no government agency or utility company will ever ask people to deposit or accept money via bitcoin.
“If you receive these calls, please just hang up,” he said.
“We don’t want anyone to lose their life savings to a scam.”
Sheriff Cocchi said the scammers target people with fear and intimidation.
“Let me be clear: no deputy will ever call you asking for money,” Cocchi said.
“If you get a call like this, hang up and report it immediately.”
Both officials urged anyone who is a victim of this or similar crimes to call police immediately.
