Woman tricked out of £3,000 in BitCoin scam

A woman from Leicestershire was scammed into paying thousands of pounds into a BitCoin machine.

Police say the woman believed she was receiving a call from a member of her family, but when she answered, the situation appeared to be more serious.

She was told during the phone call on September 26 that the family member the number appeared to be from had been arrested.

They said she must pay the money to release him from custody.

The caller then instructed her to withdraw more than £3,000 and pay it into a BitCoin machine. She believed this was the cost of her family member’s bail.

She was then told to withdraw more than £6,000, which would release the family member from custody.

However, when she went to with- draw this money, a member of staff at the bank became suspicious and intervened.

Police are now urging people to watch out for scams like this, and to protect vulnerable family and friends.

Detective Constable Steve Wallage, the investigating officer, said: “I would urge everyone living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to take on board this incident and make themselves aware of such a scam currently in operation.

“I would also ask that anyone who has any family or friends who they feel may be vulnerable to such a scam to make them aware and ask that they remain vigilant. “Po l ice would never ask for payments to be made to release someone from bail or custody and no reputable organisation would ever ask that money is handed over via a BitCoin machine.” No-one has been arrested in connection with this incident at this time and enquiries are continuing. Incidents of fraud should be reported to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting: www.actionfraud.police.uk