Detectives warn of scam demanding court 'fine' paid in cryptocurrency
Scammers call saying victims missed court dates and pressure them to pay fines in cryptocurrency; detectives urge residents not to share personal information or send money.
Westmoreland County detectives say a Greensburg resident received a call from a private number claiming they missed a court date and had a warrant, then was told to pay a 'fine' at a gas station in cryptocurrency. The caller used a local dialect, provided personal details (including employer, home address and Social Security number) and texted fictitious court documents; the return number was a spoofed Mount Pleasant landline. The victim lost $1,000; detectives urge people to hang up on unknown callers, never give personal information, and never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.