Virtual Currency Unit

Virtual Currency Unit

In 2023, District Attorney Eric Gonzalez founded the nation’s first standalone Virtual Currency Unit within a local prosecutor’s office. This pioneering Unit is tasked with investigating and prosecuting crimes involving cryptocurrency, while also providing critical training to prosecutors and law enforcement partners.

Leveraging cutting-edge technology and advanced forensic tools, the Unit tracks illicit cryptocurrency transactions to ensure accountability in cases ranging from fraud and identity theft to the financing of illegal operations. Beyond prosecution, the Unit plays a vital educational role—raising public awareness about cryptocurrency scams and advising businesses and individuals on how to protect themselves from digital theft.

Need Help or Want to Report a Scam?

  • Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office Action Center: 718-250-2340

BE AWARE OF CRYPTOCURRENCY INVESTMENT SCHEMES

Cryptocurrency investment scams are on the rise. These scams target victims on social media, dating apps, and through text messaging apps. Under DA Eric Gonzalez, the Brooklyn DA’s Office is dedicated to combating online scams through prevention and public education.

SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS TRYING TO LURE YOU INTO A CRYPTOCURRENCY SCAM

  • You are added to a group chat on WhatsApp or Telegram that offers advice on how to invest in cryptocurrency with promises of getting rich quickly.
  • You get a “wrong message” text from a stranger who attempts to start a friendship and talks about how much money they’ve made by investing in cryptocurrency.
  • Someone on Facebook posts about how much money they have made in cryptocurrency and tells you they can help you get rich.
  • Someone you’ve never met in-person starts giving you cryptocurrency investment advice and promises returns on investments that seem too good to be true.
  • The financial advisor or customer support for a cryptocurrency website communicates with you through Telegram or WhatsApp.
  • You can make small withdrawals at the start but can’t withdraw any large amounts without having to pay a tax or additional fee.
  • You are directed to download an app to track your investments from a cryptocurrency website for a company you’ve never heard of before.
  • You are asked to make cryptocurrency investments by giving large amount of cash to couriers and company representatives in-person.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

  • Verify the legitimacy of a company. Check whether a cryptocurrency exchange is licensed to operate in New York State. Call the New York State Department of Financial Services hotline: 800-342-3736 Or visit their website at: www.dfs.ny.gov/who_we_supervise
  • Don’t trust cryptocurrency investment opportunities that seem too good to be true.
  • Don’t download investment apps from unverified cryptocurrency investment websites.
  • Don’t install apps that force you to override your phone’s security features.
  • Do not make cryptocurrency investments based on the advice of someone you’ve never met in person.
  • Never download programs like AnyDesk that allow remote access to your computer.
  • Do not pay more money to try and recover your investment from a cryptocurrency website.

Translated Brochures: Chinese, Russian

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