New York Attorney General Sues to Recover Over $2 Million Stolen in Remote Job Cryptocurrency Scam

Scammers have exploited the hopes of remote job seekers, stealing millions of dollars in a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam. New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit to recover over $2 million that was swindled from individuals across the U.S., including victims in New York.
The scheme began with unsolicited text messages promising well-paying, flexible remote work, which involved reviewing products online to generate market data. However, victims were instructed to open cryptocurrency accounts and maintain balances corresponding to the price of the products they were “reviewing.”
Unbeknownst to the victims, instead of receiving their expected returns and commissions, the funds were diverted into the scammers’ cryptocurrency wallets. A fraudulent website was created to simulate the product reviews, further luring people into the trap.
The lawsuit highlights the stories of seven individuals who lost significant amounts of money, including a New Yorker who lost over $100,000 and a Floridian who lost more than $300,000. These victims suffered both financial losses and emotional distress due to the deception.
Working alongside Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and her cryptocurrency unit, James’ office traced the stolen funds to specific digital wallets. Over $2 million in cryptocurrency has been frozen, ensuring that the stolen assets can be returned to the victims.
“Deceiving individuals seeking remote work is cruel and unacceptable,” James said. “We’re committed to holding scammers accountable and recovering stolen funds.”
The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks that job seekers face in the digital age and the growing concern over the intersection of remote work scams and cryptocurrency fraud.