Lancaster County brothers out $1.3 million in cryptocurrency scams, police say

A pair of Lancaster County men lost more than $1.3 million in cryptocurrency scams, according to police.Lincoln police said the brothers, ages 76 and 77, were victims of an online trading scam that began in November 2024. Police said a scammer claimed to invest the money in stocks and cryptocurrency online using a platform that turned out to be fake.The victims discovered the fraud when the stock market dropped and they attempted to withdraw funds from the accounts.The Lancaster County Sheriff said it is also investigating an online scam that cost a 40-year-old man more than $48,000. The man told investigators he invested in cryptocurrency from October through April 2. He was told he had $89,000 in the account, but realized it was fake when he was told it would cost him $6,000 to withdraw funds.The sheriff’s office said they believe cryptocurrency scams they are investigating have cost victims about $250,000 this year.When investing online, officials urge everyone to exercise caution, especially when it involves people or platforms with which you aren’t familiar. If you have a loved one you are concerned about, talk to them about scams.To learn more about forms of elder fraud, including how to file an IC3 with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, click on this link. NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |