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The Berks County District Attorney, John Adams, is alerting residents about a surge in cryptocurrency scams in the area. According to WFMZ-TV, scammers are impersonating sheriff's deputies, claiming victims missed jury duty or court appearances, and threatening arrest unless payments are made via cryptocurrency.
Adams emphasized that the Berks County Sheriff's Office will never request payments over the phone. He advised residents to hang up immediately if they receive such calls and report them to local law enforcement. The scam often involves using real names of law enforcement personnel to appear credible, but Adams assures that these are fraudulent calls.
As reported by Yahoo News, the DA's office has issued similar warnings in the past, noting that scammers sometimes ask for personal information under the guise of confirming unauthorized purchases. Adams urges the public to be cautious, never give out sensitive information, and consult with trusted individuals before making any financial decisions.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious calls to their local police or the Berks County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, complaints can be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-382-4357.