Odaily Planet Daily reports that the U.S. District Attorney in Massachusetts has filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit seeking to recover 327,829.720952 USDT (approximately $327,000), allegedly related to a cryptocurrency scam carried out through a dating app.
Prosecutors stated that the investigation began in fall 2024 when authorities discovered a Massachusetts resident suspected of being involved in an online romance scam. The suspect, under the name “Linda Brown,” built a relationship with the victim over several weeks before claiming an investment opportunity in cryptocurrency, prompting the victim to transfer funds.
The prosecution said the suspect used the guise of a “legitimate investment” to trick the victim into transferring funds to wallets controlled by the suspect or accomplices. The victim only realized it was a scam after failing to withdraw the funds.
Law enforcement officials noted that the stolen funds were transferred through multiple crypto wallets, converted into USDT, and ultimately used for money laundering transactions.
At the same time, U.S. regulators are increasing warnings about “romance crypto scams.” Previously, the Ohio Federal Prosecutor’s Office issued a reminder titled “Cupid Doesn’t Ask for Crypto” before Valentine’s Day, warning the public to be cautious of love investment scams carried out via social media and instant messaging platforms.
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