Cryptocurrency Scam in Minsk: Residents Lose 6,000 Rubles

Minsk residents lost 6,000 rubles in cryptocurrency scam. Two Minsk residents recently fell victim to a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam, resulting in the loss of digital tokens valued at approximately 6,000 rubles. According to police reports, the scammers employed a clever tactic, simultaneously contacting both the seller and the buyer of the tokens through a messaging app group. The scammers, posing as a buyer, arranged a meeting with a 32-year-old Minsk resident, providing a cryptocurrency wallet address beforehand with the condition that the token transfer would only occur during the in-person meeting. Simultaneously, the scammers contacted another Minsk resident interested in purchasing cryptocurrency and proposed a deal. A meeting was then set up between the seller and the buyer. After verifying sufficient funds in the buyer's account, the seller transferred the digital tokens to the crypto wallet address specified in the correspondence. However, the buyer later reported not sending any links, revealing that the cryptocurrency, equivalent to around 6,000 rubles, had been transferred to the scammers. A criminal case has been opened. Police warn citizens to only conduct token transactions on Belarusian crypto platforms through High Technologies Park (HTP) residents. "This case highlights the importance of caution when dealing with cryptocurrency transactions outside of regulated platforms," said Ekaterina Dobrovolskaya, Senior Inspector of the First May District Police Department. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and awareness when engaging in online transactions involving digital assets.