Lincoln woman loses nearly $6,000 in bitcoin scam, police say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Police are investigating a bitcoin scam that led to a woman losing nearly $6,000 on Thursday.

The victim, a 29-year-old Lincoln woman, told officers she got a call from a man claiming to work for the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

The caller told the victim that she missed jury duty and had a warrant out for her arrest, according to LPD.

They then demanded the victim pay $5,800 to “take care of the issue,” police said.

In addition to the call, the scammers spoofed LSO’s nonemergency line and left an “empty” voicemail from that number, according to police.

After speaking with three people — including someone who identified himself as “Lt. Eric Hamilton” — the victim withdrew money from her bank account.

She then deposited the money into a Bitcoin ATM in three separate accounts.

Police said the scammers then requested more money, leading the victim to report the fraud.

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