FBI warns of cryptocurrency virus scams | Coronavirus

The FBI is warning people about four cryptocurrency fraud schemes related to COVID-19.

According to a Monday news release, scammers are using cryptocurrency kiosks, as well as virtual asset service providers that deal with cryptocurrencies, to conduct fraud. People of all ages are being targeted and victimized by scammers.

The fraud schemes include blackmail attempts, work-from-home scams, getting people to pay for nonexistent COVID-19 treatments and equipment, and investment scams.

Scammers are attempting to blackmail people by claiming they will share the target’s personal information and infect them and their family with COVID-19 if they do not make a Bitcoin payment.

Others are trying to take advantage of the increase in people who are working at home, the FBI said.

Scammers may pretend to be someone’s employer and ask them for their bank account information to give them a monetary donation, the news release states. The donation is likely stolen, and…