The Dubuque Police Department has taken several reports of internet-based scams over the last two months.
The first is a Bitcoin ATM scam where the scammer provides the victim with a QR code for a Bitcoin wallet and asks them to transfer a large sum of money to the scammer which they will then withdraw via Bitcoin ATM.
The second type of scam begins with a “Pop Up” onto the victim’s computer advising them that their computer is compromised. A phone number is provided for “Customer Support”. This phone number, however, calls the scammers. The Dubuque Police Department reminds our community to be extremely cautious of internet-based communications from people you don’t know. Never give personal information, including social security numbers, birthdates, passwords, or banking information to anybody that calls you soliciting this information.
If you are unsure whether or not an internet-based or telephone request is legitimate, hang up the phone or stop the online chat and reach out to your financial institution or local law enforcement right away.
