Internet-Based Scams in Dubuque

CONTACT:
Lt. Luke Bock
563-589-4473, lbock@cityofdubuque.org

07/31/24 -- For Immediate Release

DUBUQUE, Iowa – 

The Dubuque Police Department has taken several reports of internet-based scams over the last two months.  The first is a Bitcoin ATM scam.  These scams typically begin with the victim meeting a scammer online and a friendship or relationship is formed.  The scammer then provides the victim with a QR code for a Bitcoin wallet and asks the victim to transfer a large sum of money, typically in the thousands of dollars, to the scammer which they will then withdraw via Bitcoin ATM.  The scammer will give a variety of reasons this request is “legitimate” and “necessary,” but it is all a scam to steal the victim’s money.

The second type of scam begins with scammers sending a Pop Up onto the victim’s computer advising the victim that their computer is compromised.  A phone number is provided for “Customer Support” or “Microsoft Support” which the victim is instructed to call.  This phone number, however, calls the scammers.  The scammers then tell the victim their bank accounts have been compromised and they should withdraw all funds in cash and give it to a “representative” that will meet the victim in person.  The scammers provide the victim with a code word, ask to meet the victim at a designated location where the cash can be handed over, and claim they will take the cash and put it in a “secure” bank account while the banking issues are resolved. 

 These scammers have even gone so far as to tell the victims not to call their financial institution because the banks and credit unions are “in on it.”  The Dubuque Police Department wants to remind our community to be extremely cautious of internet-based communications from people you don’t know.  We also want to remind the community to never give personal information, including social security numbers, birthdates, passwords, or banking information to anybody that calls you soliciting this information.  Remain vigilant in your efforts to avoid online scammers.  If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.  If you are unsure whether or not an internet-based or telephone request is legitimate, hang up the phone or stop the online chat and reach out to your financial institution or local law enforcement right away.

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