Local law enforcement warns of Bitcoin scam targeting county residents
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department and Reno County Sheriff's Office are warning residents about a series of Bitcoin scams that have cost local victims thousands of dollars over the past two weeks.
Authorities said they have received multiple reports of scammers impersonating law enforcement officials and federal agents to defraud residents. In one case, a victim lost thousands of dollars to someone posing as a Reno County Sheriff's detective. Another resident lost $4,300 after being contacted by someone claiming to represent a federal agency.
The scammers typically use high-pressure tactics and threats of arrest to manipulate victims into making immediate payments using Bitcoin, a digital currency that is difficult to track or recover once transferred.
"Law enforcement agencies will never call and collect payments to avoid arrest," officials said in a public statement. "No law enforcement entity, including the court system, will demand payment through gift cards, Bitcoin, or similar methods."
Police Chief Brice Burlie and Sheriff Darrian Campbell are urging residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting money and to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer by contacting the agency directly.
The departments emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not demand immediate payment over the phone to avoid arrest or resolve legal issues.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are advised to hang up and contact the appropriate agency directly for verification. The Hutchinson Police Department can be reached at 620-694-2816, and the Reno County Sheriff's Office at 620-694-2735.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by similar scams should report the incident to local authorities.
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