TAMPA BAY, Fla. — According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, cybercriminals are creating fake cryptocurrency investment platforms to steal people’s money.
After retiring, Lorena Brunson followed her dream and became the owner of Beanie and Bellies Cupcakery in south Tampa, but COVID hit her business hard. “I wanted to make sure it was legitimate, so I asked her if I could withdraw the funds, and she showed me how to do it,” said Joseph Brunson.“So I was telling all my family members, ‘Hey, this is probably legitimate. Let’s try to make some money off of this; it might help,’” said Joseph.
“I took cash advances from my credit card because I can return it back in a matter of days,” said Lorena. “They take the money, the crypto, from you. And then they’re able to manipulate the database on this made-up website. They can put whatever they want. They could say you have $10,000, $50,000, $100,000,” said Pantoja.“Normally, it’s like you have to pay taxes or an international exchange fee. They just come up with something for you to send them more money,” said Pantoja.