QR code and cryptocurrency scamming

New year, new scam spins. The FTC is warning that there are some fresh ways that scammers are separating you from your money this year and they are using QR codes and cryptocurrency.

First, you get a call or a message from maybe a government agency (an imposter, of course), or perhaps a romantic interest you met online. They convince you to send money for some urgent purpose. They stay on the phone with you directing you to a local crypto ATM machine.

Then after you buy some crypto currency at the machine they send you a QR code. You scan the QR code with your phone and the crypto goes straight to their address.

And your money is gone. Fast.

Remember, no government agency will demand payment in a call. No government agency will request payment in crypto. You haven't won any prize, and your online love interest is not who they say they are if they are asking you for money.

Recognize the warning signs, talk about them with your friends so we all know what is out there, and before you give your money to anyone STOP, hang up, and take just a minute to calmly think about it.

If you are a West Virginia resident age 60 or over you can talk to a lawyer in private for free about scams, money, planning, or any other legal issue at West Virginia Senior Legal Aid 1.800.229.5068.

Fraud Alert: Don't click on texts about vaccine status and drivers license validation

From the WV Department of Health and Human Resources:
"1/1/2022

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) has received reports of individuals receiving spam text messages asking them to validate their driver’s license through the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

No such message has been generated by DHHR and should be immediately deleted. Do not click on the link provided in the text message.

The spam text message reads: “West Virginia Covid-19 Vaccine Driver License Waiver Validation. Validate your details below” (with a clickable link). It then states, “Department of Health l State of West Virginia. Text “STOP” to stop msg.”

An additional spam message reads: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in partnership with the West Virginia State DMV requires an immediate validation of your Covid-19 status. This is a waiver validation update and a compulsory one-time validation for all West Virginia residents.”

DHHR will never ask for personal information via text message."

Don't click on any of it, don't reply to any of it, and delete the text messages if you get them. Tell your friends about this scam so they recognize it before they get scammed by it.

If you are at least 60 years old and a West Virginia resident with concerns about this scam or any other legal question or problem you can talk to a lawyer for free at West Virginia Senior Legal Aid 1-800-229-5068. Have a safe new year!