Scammers in Pennsylvania Demand Bitcoin for Warrants
- Scammers in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania are demanding Bitcoin from residents to clear warrants.
- The District Attorney and Sheriff have warned residents about this new scam.
- Residents should be cautious and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) — Residents of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, are being warned about a new email scam that demands Bitcoin payments to resolve alleged outstanding warrants. The county sheriff and district attorney issued a joint statement on Tuesday, emphasizing that the communications are fraudulent and urging residents not to engage with the scammers. The warning was issued in bold letters: "That's not us, and we don't want your Bitcoin." The scam emails contain multiple attachments, including a forged warrant from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, along with documents featuring the FDIC logo and the U.S. Supreme Court seal. Victims are instructed to deposit money into a "digital escrow" account via a Coinstar Bitcoin terminal, with one document requesting a $5,000 "bond." District Attorney Kevin Steele and Sheriff Sean Kilkenny confirmed that these documents are entirely fake. Steele clarified that arrest warrants are never resolved through such means, stating, "No money is involved if there is a warrant issued for someone's failure to appear in court." He reiterated that any warrant must be addressed in a courtroom setting, and that Bitcoin is not recognized as a valid currency by Montgomery County courts. Residents who receive these scam emails are encouraged to verify their legitimacy by contacting the Montgomery County Courthouse at 610-278-3000. Those who have fallen victim to the scam should report it to the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at 610-278-3368. Reports indicate that several residents have received these emails, with at least one individual having sent money to the scammers.