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FBI issues first cryptocurrency fraud report, Pennsylvania named among states with most money lost

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FBI issues first cryptocurrency fraud report, Pennsylvania named among states with most money lost


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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued its first-ever cryptocurrency fraud report and Pennsylvania ranked among the states with the highest number of complaints and money lost. 

Overall, the FBI said that more than $5.6 billion in estimated losses occurred in 2023 in connection with cryptocurrency. 

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Here in Pennsylvania, the commonwealth ranked 8th among stats for the number of complaints with 1,773, and 9th in money lost with a total of more than $123 million. 

The FBI’s data showed that in 2023 investment scams that were linked to cryptocurrency were among the most pervasive along with tech support scams, data breach scams, and romance crimes. 

They added that the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency and the speed of transferring value around the world makes “cryptocurrency an attractive vehicle from criminals and creates unique challenges in recovering stolen funds.” 

They’re warning people to be vigilant when contacted by potential scammers, saying that criminals will try to create a sense of urgency and isolation when they make contact. The scammers also have been known to use websites that mimic real financial institutions in order to project a sense of legitimacy, as well as use suspicious-looking mobile apps for investment tools. 

Finally, they said that no law enforcement will ever call citizens and ask for payment in cryptocurrency. 

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You can read the FBI’s full cryptocurrency fraud report on their website at this link. 

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Singapore drops cryptocurrency use for gambling citing money laundering concerns

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Singapore drops cryptocurrency use for gambling citing money laundering concerns

Singaporean regulators have no plans to allow cryptocurrency use for gambling due to the risks of money laundering.

During a Sept. 10 parliamentary address, Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, clarified Singapore’s regulatory stance on using cryptocurrencies in casino gambling. The minister’s remarks were made during the wrap-up speech for the Second Reading of the Casino Control (Amendment) Bill.

Introduced on July 4, 2024, the bill aims to future-proof the framework governing casino gambling activities in Singapore, while giving the Gambling Regulatory Authority the power to prescribe any wagering instrument as chips for casino gambling. 

However, the minister has stressed that cryptocurrencies will not be part of this expanded scope.

While the amendments to Singapore’s Casino Control Act were promoted as a step toward “future-proofing the regime” and establishing a framework for “cashless gambling,” the Minister of State firmly ruled out the use of cryptocurrencies citing money laundering concerns.

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“GRA has no intention of allowing cryptocurrency to be used as chips for casino gambling as this presents money laundering risks.“

Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for the Ministry of Home Affairs

Singapore’s exclusion of cryptocurrencies from its casino operations aligns with a growing recognition of the risks they pose in the realm of money laundering. 

According to a January 2024 report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, cryptocurrencies and casinos have increasingly become tools for laundering illicit funds, with criminal networks exploiting the anonymity and lack of regulation associated with digital currencies to obscure the origins of illicit funds, using online casinos as conduits.

“Organized crime groups have converged where they see vulnerabilities, and casinos and crypto have proven the point of least resistance.”

Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific

A growing trend

Boycotting cryptocurrencies for gambling is part of a broader trend, as seen in Australia, where the government recently banned cryptocurrencies for online betting, including digital wallets and credit-linked cards, to help individuals maintain control over their gambling habits. 

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Similarly, Brazil has also banned the use of cryptocurrencies for gambling payments in April 2024, targeting digital assets like Bitcoin to enhance transparency and reduce the potential for money laundering. 

Nevertheless, the global crypto gambling market tells a different story altogether. As previously reported by crypto.news, the crypto gambling market almost doubled to over $70 billion in the first half of 2024, with projections pointing toward a staggering $150 billion by 2030.

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GDMining Unveils Revolutionary Cloud Mining Solution to Maximize Your Cryptocurrency Earnings

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GDMining Unveils Revolutionary Cloud Mining Solution to Maximize Your Cryptocurrency Earnings

New York, NY, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

GDMining, a leader in the cryptocurrency mining industry, has announced the launch of its groundbreaking cloud mining solution designed to maximize user earnings with ease. This innovative platform enables individuals to mine cryptocurrencies without the need for expensive hardware or technical expertise, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced crypto enthusiasts alike.

A New Era in Cloud Mining

GDMining’s new cloud mining solution offers users the ability to participate in cryptocurrency mining remotely. By renting mining power from GDMining’s state-of-the-art data centers, users can mine top cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin without the need to manage or maintain physical equipment.

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“Our goal with GDMining is to revolutionize the mining industry by providing a simple, scalable, and cost-effective solution for everyone,” said a spokesperson for GDMining. “With this new platform, users can start mining immediately and focus on growing their earnings, without worrying about the complexities of hardware and maintenance.”

Key Features of GDMining’s Cloud Mining Platform

  1. Free and Paid Mining Plans: GDMining offers flexible options for users, including a free plan, and each user will receive a $50 welcome bonus upon successful registration, allowing them to start mining without any upfront costs. For those who want to increase their mining capabilities, the platform also offers scalable paid plans to meet all levels of investment needs.
  2. User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed with simplicity in mind, allowing even those with no prior experience in cryptocurrency mining to navigate and begin mining within minutes.
  3. Daily Payouts: GDMining guarantees daily payouts, with earnings distributed every 24 hours from the moment the contract is purchased. At the end of the contract term, the user’s initial investment is refunded. For example, if you spend $1,500 on a mining contract with a 5-day term, you will receive $27 in earnings each day, totaling $135 over 5 days. After 5 days, your $1,500 principal will be returned to you.
  4. Referral Program: To further enhance earnings, GDMining offers a referral program where users can invite friends and earn additional bonuses. This program encourages community growth while rewarding active participants.
  5. Security and Reliability: GDMining uses advanced security protocols to protect user accounts and earnings. Additionally, the platform is built to provide reliable uptime, ensuring uninterrupted mining operations.

Maximizing Earnings with GDMining

GDMining is focused on helping users maximize their cryptocurrency earnings through a combination of efficient mining operations, flexible plans, and reinvestment opportunities. Users can start small with the free plan and gradually scale up by reinvesting their earnings into higher-tier mining contracts, potentially boosting returns over time.

“We’ve designed GDMining to empower users to reach their financial goals by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in cryptocurrency mining,” the spokesperson added.

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Getting Started with GDMining

Joining GDMining is quick and straightforward. Users simply need to register on the platform, select a mining plan, and activate their contract to begin mining. With no upfront costs for the free plan, users can experience the benefits of cloud mining without any financial risk.

Conclusion

GDMining’s revolutionary cloud mining solution is set to change the way individuals approach cryptocurrency mining. By offering a seamless and user-friendly platform, GDMining makes it possible for anyone to participate in mining and maximize their earnings with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto miner or just getting started, GDMining provides the tools and flexibility to help you achieve your goals.

For more information, Please visit their official website: https://gdmining.com/

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Cryptocurrency Scams Cost Americans $5.6B In 2023, FBI Report Shows

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Cryptocurrency Scams Cost Americans .6B In 2023, FBI Report Shows

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has disclosed that Americans lost a staggering $5.6 billion to cryptocurrency-related fraud in 2023.

What Happened: This figure, released in the FBI’s 2023 Cryptocurrency Fraud Report, marks a 45% increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing sophistication of cybercriminals in the digital asset space.

The report details that while cryptocurrency-related complaints accounted for only 10% of all financial fraud reports, they represented nearly half of the total financial losses, highlighting the high-stakes nature of cryptocurrency scams.

Investment fraud emerged as the dominant form of cryptocurrency-related crime, accounting for 71% of all losses.

The FBI noted a particular increase in “confidence-enabled cryptocurrency investment fraud,” where criminals build trust with victims through dating apps, social media, or professional networking sites before introducing fraudulent investment opportunities.

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Also Read: Metaplanet Acquires 38.6 Bitcoin for $2.2M, Expanding Total Holdings To 398.8 BTC

“Criminals exploit the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency, the speed of irreversible transactions, and the ability to transfer value around the globe,” said Michael D. Nordwall, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “This creates significant challenges in recovering stolen funds.”

The report also highlighted an alarming trend of labor trafficking connected to cryptocurrency scams, with individuals lured overseas by false job advertisements and forced to participate in fraudulent operations.

Interestingly, the age group reporting the highest losses was those over 60, with more than $1.24 billion in reported losses, despite younger age groups filing more complaints overall.

What’s next: In light of these findings, the upcoming Benzinga Future of Digital Assets event on Nov. 19 takes on added significance as a platform to discuss the advantages and drawbacks of building a cryptocurrency-based financial system.

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