Scam Alert: Bitcoin scam

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriffs Office has issued a Scam Alert. The White Collar Crime Division of the Smith Couty Sheriff’s Office is actively monitoring and documenting impersonation and Bitcoin scams targeting families of jailed inmates. 

The pattern used centers on fraudulent claims of bond?related ankle monitor fees, directed payments through Bitcoin ATMs, and the misuse of Smith County law enforcement identities, Smith County Sheriff’s Officials reported on Monday. Victims receive unsolicited phone calls and/or text messages from individuals claiming to be with Smith County Pretrial Services, the Smith County Jail, or a lieutenant or deputy with the Sheriff’s Office.

Callers often have some specific information about a relative currently in custody, which lends credibility to the scam. The suspects ask if the victim uses Cash App, Venmo, or similar services, then directs them to a convenience store or gas station with a Bitcoin ATM. Once these funds are deposited into Bitcoin machines, they are quickly moved through multiple private wallets making it difficult to recover any of the victim’s funds.
 
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office, nor any official law enforcement agency, will NEVER call people asking for payment over the phone.