The FBI issued a warning this week that crypto scammers have started sending couriers to collect cash in person from victims. The shift from purely digital payments to in-person cash pickup makes the fraud harder to detect and prosecute, the agency said. The new method also poses increased risks to vulnerable groups who may be targeted more aggressively.
Couriers Replace Wire Transfers
Instead of demanding cryptocurrency transfers or wire payments, scammers now arrange for a courier to visit the victim's home or workplace to collect cash. The courier may be an unwitting third party or someone directly involved in the scheme. The FBI noted that this approach allows fraudsters to bypass traditional banking safeguards and anti-money laundering checks that typically flag large or suspicious transfers. For victims, the request for cash in person can feel more legitimate than a wire transfer, making them more likely to comply.
Why Detection Gets Harder
The move to physical cash collection complicates fraud detection for banks and law enforcement. Digital transactions leave a trail of records that investigators can follow. Cash handed to a courier, however, is nearly impossible to trace once it leaves the victim's hands. Prosecution also becomes more difficult because the chain of evidence from scammer to victim to courier is less clear. Authorities cannot freeze cash that has already been picked up, and identifying the courier may not lead to the masterminds behind the operation. The FBI's warning suggests that these scams are evolving faster than the tools used to combat them.
Heightened Risks for Vulnerable Groups
The FBI specifically highlighted the increased danger to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or those less familiar with technology. In-person visits from couriers can be intimidating and may pressure victims into handing over larger sums. The physical presence of a courier also raises the potential for theft or violence, adding a layer of personal safety risk that doesn't exist with online fraud alone. Vulnerable individuals, who may be more trusting or less likely to question the legitimacy of the request, become prime targets for this coercive tactic.
What the FBI Advises
The warning does not include specific new regulations, but the agency urged anyone who receives a request for cash delivery in connection with a supposed crypto investment to halt communication and contact local authorities immediately. The FBI also advised remaining skeptical of unsolicited offers that require upfront payments, especially when a courier is involved. As the scam evolves, public awareness remains a critical defense. The agency has not released data on the number of cases or arrests linked to this method, but the warning signals a growing concern among federal investigators.
