Odaily Planet Daily reports that federal prosecutors in Massachusetts, USA, recently filed a civil forfeiture complaint seeking to seize 327,829.720952 USDT (approximately $327,000), funds allegedly linked to a cryptocurrency scam carried out through a dating app.
The prosecution stated that the investigation began in the fall of 2024, when authorities discovered that a Massachusetts resident was suspected of being involved in a "romance scam." The suspect, under the name "Linda Brown," after building a relationship with the victim over several weeks, claimed there was a cryptocurrency investment opportunity and induced the victim to transfer funds.
The prosecution stated that the suspect, under the guise of "legitimate investment," deceived victims into transferring funds to wallet addresses controlled by the suspect or co-conspirators. Victims only realized it was a scam after failing to withdraw their funds.
Law enforcement authorities noted that the stolen funds were transferred through multiple cryptocurrency wallets, converted into USDT, and ultimately used in money laundering transactions.
At the time of this case, U.S. regulators are intensifying warnings about "romance crypto scams." Prior to Valentine’s Day, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio issued a alert titled “Cupid Doesn't Ask for Crypto,” warning the public to be cautious of romance investment scams carried out via social media and messaging platforms.