North Huntingdon Twp. police warn of Bitcoin scam targeting residents
Scammers impersonated Allegheny County sheriff's deputies and instructed victims to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin kiosks using QR codes; police say no department will demand cryptocurrency payments.
On Aug. 17, 2026, North Huntingdon Township Police received two reports — and two more on Aug. 18 — from residents who said they were targeted by a scammer claiming to be Allegheny County sheriff's deputies. Victims were told they missed a federal court subpoena, directed to withdraw funds and deposit them into a kiosk, and sent Bitcoin wallet QR codes by text while kept on the phone; scammers also used AI-generated arrest-warrant images. Police are investigating and warn that no law-enforcement agency will require payment via cryptocurrency; residents should ignore such calls and contact their local police.