BITCOIN SCAM! (Don’t Get Got).
The power of God and growth I’m able to write this. I want to share this experience with you all so this doesn’t happen to anybody ever again. I know I can’t control that but if I can stop someone from making the same mistake I made then the purpose of this post is fulfilled.
It all started 10:15am Tuesday December 3rd, 2019. I get a call from someone posing as an SSA (Social Security Agent) by the name of “James Wilson.” This is going to sound racist as fuck, but clue #1 should have been an Indian man named “James Wilson.” I remember thinking that in my head while he told me his name, but I was too afraid to speak up say something. Prior to my conversation with “James Wilson” I got a call from this number (801–572–9467) so add this number to your blocked list immediately. I can’t promise you they won’t try to get you from another number 800 number but just know that Social Security Agents NEVER call you. They send letters via mail and if there is an issue you must call them or visit your local social security office and handle whatever the letter they sent you was about. That is some important info I wish I knew prior to answering the call. “James” tells me that somebody has been using my social security number and name to open up multiple bank Bank of America accounts in various locations in Texas. He also states that this person has a warrant out for their arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking and that “person” was ultimately me unless I proved my innocence and that I was robbed of my identity. Some more info that I wish I knew of because a friend of mine on Facebook got the same call and same fake arrest warrant story but she was smart enough to call out the scammer(s). She lives in NY, I live in Boston. I mention that just to let you know this wasn’t just some local scammer, although they will somehow use your local police department’s phone number to call you to work out a ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution).
Long story less long I was “transferred” over to a “police officer” who advised me to purchase and send $1,100 dollars worth of Bitcoin to this number (12015155067). Said something bout the “identity thieves” can hack into my bank account and take my money and that bitcoin is protected by the government. I never had much interest in investing in bitcoin, and surely I don’t after this escapade but DO NOT allow this scam to go any further than I did. Don’t fuck your savings up like I did. If you get a call from someone posing as a social security agent ask for their name and badge number and then report them to a REAL social security agent by visiting Ssa.gov. After you get their name and number, HANG UP! block that number, write it down so you can use it in your report. Same situation if your local police department calls you. Ask for a name and badge number and then contact your local PD, give the name and badge number that was given to you and tell them that scammers are using their number to scam people into buying bitcoin.
If by any chance you are late in reading this post and you unfortunately fell for the scam contact the FTC (Federal Trades Commission) and fill out a report. Carefully detail everything that happened to you. I’m not going to promise a speedy response because I have yet to get one, but you are able to add theft protection for free for a year after filing a report with the FTC.
Once again I’m sharing this horrid experience with you to educate and protect. Take care and be vigilant.
