CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — In response to spike in reported case of cryptocurrency scams, the Albemarle County Police Department, Virginia State Police and FBI are looking to spread awareness on the crime’s increasing prevalence.
29 total cases were reported in Albemarle between Jan. 1, 2025, to Feb. 28 of this year. Of those cases, nine resulted in victims losing a total of $240,000. Since the new year, 11 cases have already been reported representing a 175% increase in cases compared to the same time last year. There were eight reported in February alone. These crimes primarily target the elderly, and their impact can be financially devastating.
“We have elderly folks who worked their entire careers to be retired,” ACPD Detective Marcus Baggett said, “and after these types of losses, they may find themselves living with elderly parents. Not where they plan to be in their retirement.”…