CINCINNATI, Ohio — A 73-year-old Delhi Township woman recovered $35,600 of her stolen savings after falling victim to a cryptocurrency scam, thanks to swift action by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Electronic Financial Investigations unit, Attorney General Dave Yost and Delhi Township Police Chief Jeff Braun announced Wednesday.
In August 2024, the woman received a pop-up message on her laptop claiming it was hacked. Believing she was contacting Microsoft, she called a provided number and was instructed by a scammer to withdraw $41,750, convert it to Bitcoin, and send it via a Bitcoin ATM to purportedly fix her device. After realizing the deception, she reported the incident to Delhi Township Police, who enlisted BCI’s specialized unit.
BCI traced the funds, froze additional transfers, and secured search warrants and a court order to recover most of the money, returning $35,600 to the victim this week.
“Crypto scammers set elaborate traps, but quick reporting allowed us to recover most of the stolen funds,” Yost said. “This case shows the importance of vigilance and rapid response.”
Braun praised BCI’s expertise, stating, “Their collaboration was critical in supporting our community and recovering these funds. This partnership strengthens our fight against electronic fraud.”
BCI’s Electronic Financial Investigations unit employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise from forensic accounting, cybercrime, and other specialties to tackle complex fraud, particularly cryptocurrency scams. The unit bridges local and federal law enforcement efforts to investigate and, when possible, prosecute offenders while prioritizing victim recovery.
Yost urged Ohioans to stay cautious, noting scammers often target older adults with ploys like fake tech support, bail demands, or account hack claims. Consumers should verify requests for payment and report suspected scams to local police immediately. Law enforcement can contact BCI for assistance at 855-BCI-OHIO or Intel@OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.