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From gift cards to lottery winnings, a “warrant for your arrest” or a loved one in jail, scammers will stop at nothing to get their hands on your money. Unfortunately, crytocurrency-related scams have become increasingly common in Washington County, and our investigations unit has been working diligently to educate the public and provide resources to avoid falling victim. Cryptocurrency, like “Bitcoin” is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography to se- cure and verify monetary transactions. Unlike traditional currencies that are issued and reg- ulated by central authorities like governments and banks, cryptocurrencies are decentral- ized and operate independently of any gov- ernment or financial institution. Cryptocurren- cy has gained legitimate popularity with the potential for high returns, making it an attrac- tive option for investors. Cryptocurrencies can be used for online transactions, as a store of value, or as an investment. As the popularity of cryptocurrency continues to rise, so do cryptocurrency-related scams. These scams come in various forms, and they can be difficult to detect for those who are not familiar with the cryptocurrency market. Washington County victims are typically contacted by phone by individuals claim- ing to be investment managers or using other traditional scam tactics to request crypto- currency transactions. Victims of cryptocur- rency crimes are generally instructed to create an online cryptocurrency account or told to deposit money at cryptocurrency ATMs, usually located at specific locations through- out the metro. Money lost in cryptocurrency scams is highly untraceable, ending up in accounts overseas within seconds. Protect yourself and your information by being cautious when answering calls from unknown numbers, avoid giving out any personal information over the phone, and trusting your instincts. Scammers often impersonate reputable organizations, such as banks, government agencies, or crypto currency exchanges, to gain your trust. They also tend to use high-pressure tactics to con- vince you to send them money or share your sensitive information, using fear or urgency to make you act quickly. It’s wise to consider any unsolicited form of contact asking for money or personal details, including those related to cryptocurrency, as a potential scam. If you’re interested in investing in cryptocurrency, it’s advisable to seek out a reliable financial man- ager or investment firm with expertise in this field. We understand the devastating impact that these scams can have on individuals and families, and we are committed to helping those affected. By working together, we can raise awareness about the risks associated with cryptocurrencies and help prevent these types of scams from occurring in the future. For questions about these scams, including more information, please feel free to call our non-emergency dispatch at 651-439-9381, or email sheriff@co.washington.mn.us. Detective Anthony Jaring Detective Jaring has been with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for the past seven years, six of those as a deputy sheriff. Starting his career as a correctional officer, he later joined the patrol division in 2017 and worked the midnight shift for two years. He continued his patrol duties and was assigned to the afternoon shift in the Lake Elmo contract before assuming the position of Hugo Detective in November of last year. In addition to being a member of the SWAT team, Detective Jaring is also a defensive tac- tics instructor and has experience serving as a Field Training Officer for new deputies. In his free time, he enjoys practicing mixed martial arts and has a love for food, especially macaroni and cheese. 10