New York AG sues to recover $2.2M lost in job scam

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit aimed at recovering over $2.2 million in cryptocurrency that was stolen from victims through a fraudulent job scam. 

The scam targeted individuals seeking remote work opportunities, luring them with promises of “well-paying, flexible jobs.” 

According to James, scammers sent unsolicited text messages to New Yorkers, convincing them to create cryptocurrency accounts and deposit funds under the guise of product reviewing. 

“Scammers sent text messages to New Yorkers promising them good-paying, flexible jobs only to trick them into purchasing cryptocurrency and then stealing it from them,” James stated in a January 9 announcement.

Victims were instructed to maintain a crypto balance that matched or exceeded the cost of the products they were supposedly reviewing. 

They were assured that their money would be returned along with commissions, but none received any compensation. 

The Attorney General's office, in collaboration with the U.S. Secret Service, has managed to freeze the stolen cryptocurrency and is working towards its recovery for the victims. 

“Deceiving New Yorkers looking to take on remote work and earn money to support their families is cruel and unacceptable,” emphasised James, highlighting the cruelty of the scam.

The lawsuit mentions several victims, including one who lost over $100,000 and another who lost more than $300,000. 

The investigation revealed that scammers often posed as recruiters for legitimate companies and communicated with victims via WhatsApp after initial contact through text messages.

The lawsuit seeks penalties against the scammers and aims to prevent them from engaging in any crypto or commodities business in New York in the future.