BLAKE BROWN LLP

04/04/2026

04/03/2026

Fraud Alert: Fake Crypto Investment Platforms Continue to Target Victims Across Europe

Eurojust has announced enforcement action against Ukraine-based call centers accused of using fake cryptocurrency investment platforms to defraud victims in Latvia, Lithuania, and other parts of Europe.

The scam allegedly lures victims with promises of high returns, then demands additional fees, including so-called "taxes." In some cases, the scammers reportedly use remote access software to control victims' devices and directly transfer funds.

Authorities confirmed losses exceeding €160,000. On February 17, 11 suspects were arrested, 32 locations were searched, and approximately €400,000 in cash, two cryptocurrency wallets, and eight luxury vehicles were seized.

Investment scams often evolve into repeat victimization. If someone asks for more money to recover prior losses, unlock funds, or complete a supposed legal process, that is a serious red flag.

If you believe you may have been targeted, preserve your records and seek legal advice as soon as possible.

04/02/2026

Fraud Alert: Cross-Border Online Banking Phishing Scheme in Europe Led to Approximately €1 Million in Losses

On March 11, 2026, Eurojust announced the dismantling of a cross-border cyber fraud group operating primarily in Germany, with its main suspect located in France. Authorities reported that the scheme caused approximately €1 million in financial losses.

According to investigators, the group used phishing emails to obtain victims’ online banking credentials and mobile login information. Once access was secured, the perpetrators allegedly bypassed two-factor authentication and transferred funds into fraudulent cryptocurrency accounts.

During the coordinated enforcement action, three suspects were arrested, and authorities seized crypto-related assets and jewelry believed to be connected to the scheme.

Key precautions include:
· Do not click links in unsolicited emails or messages.
· Never enter banking credentials or verification codes outside an official website or app.
· Enable transaction alerts and monitor accounts for unauthorized activity.

Cross-border fraud schemes can move quickly and are often difficult to trace. Early detection is critical to reducing losses and protecting your rights.

04/01/2026

I'm glad I could help you.

04/01/2026

On March 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a nationwide romance scam case that resulted in a nine-year federal prison sentence.

According to the DOJ, the defendant received more than $1.5 million from victims.

Online romance scams can move fast:
• trust is built quickly
• excuses replace real meetings
• requests for money soon follow

If someone you met online asks for money, stop before you send it. Preserve the messages, protect your accounts, and report suspicious activity immediately.

Fraud can cause devastating financial loss. Early action matters.

03/31/2026

Romance Scam Alert: Don’t Let Sweet Talk Turn Into Financial Loss

03/31/2026

That “Wrong Number” Text May Be the Beginning of a Scam

A recent federal fraud case in the United States serves as another important reminder: modern scams do not always begin with obvious threats. In many cases, they start with something as simple as a “wrong number” text.

On March 10, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced that it had filed a civil forfeiture action seeking to recover approximately $3.44 million in USDT. According to federal authorities, those funds were allegedly connected to an online investment fraud and money laundering scheme. Investigators say victims were approached through misdirected text messages, encouraged to continue conversations on encrypted messaging platforms, and then gradually persuaded to participate in fraudulent investment opportunities involving stocks, online gambling, and cryptocurrency.

Common warning signs include:
· unsolicited contact from a stranger
· requests to move the conversation to a private messaging app
· promises of “exclusive” opportunities or unusually high returns
· unexpected demands for “fees” or “taxes” before funds can be withdrawn

If you or someone you know may have been targeted by an investment scam, it is critical to preserve all available evidence immediately, including text messages, chat records, screenshots, wallet addresses, transaction histories, and account information. Seeking legal guidance as early as possible may help protect your rights and improve the chances of tracing the movement of funds.

Fraud schemes continue to evolve. Staying alert and acting promptly can make a meaningful difference.

03/30/2026

Fraud Prevention Alert

A series of recently reported fraud cases serves as another reminder that scammers often rely on the same familiar tactics: impersonating legitimate institutions, creating fear, and pressuring victims to send money immediately.

In these schemes, fraudsters may pose as technical support representatives, bank employees, or refund specialists. They may falsely claim that an account has been compromised, a computer has been hacked, or a refund is owed. From there, they attempt to convince victims to provide banking information, transfer funds, or even hand over cash in person.

Families should take time to remind older loved ones of the following:
• Banks do not call and demand immediate transfers
• Government agencies do not require payment by cash or gift card
• Legitimate technical support providers do not make unsolicited calls asking to remotely access a computer
• Any caller who insists that the matter must be handled “right away” should be treated with caution and independently verified

The most important rule is simple: the more pressure there is to send money immediately, the more careful you should be.

If you or a loved one may have been targeted by a similar scam, preserve all available evidence and seek legal guidance as soon as possible.

03/30/2026

California-Based International Elder Fraud Scheme Exposes Ongoing Risks to Older Americans

A California-based international scam scheme allegedly targeted more than 40 older Americans and caused over $1.2 million in losses.

Reported tactics included:
· Tech support scams
· Refund scams
· Bank impersonation scams

Scammers often create fear, urgency, and confusion to pressure seniors into sending money or handing over cash.

Reminder: Legitimate institutions do not demand urgent transfers or in-person cash handoffs.

If your family may have been affected, preserve the evidence and seek legal help promptly.