Cryptocurrency scams cost Des Moines residents nearly $500,000 last year, according to new crime data that, for the first time, reports the losses in cases investigated by the city’s police department.
Why it matters: Recovering money lost to crypto scams is notoriously difficult, but DSM police are hopeful that recent state and federal actions will help prevent the thefts.
Catch up quick: As virtual currencies have been more widely accepted over the years, law enforcement has struggled to combat crimes that are tied to billions of dollars in crypto exchanges…