MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Local law enforcement agencies are warning Reno County residents about a recent string of scams in which victims were tricked into sending thousands of dollars via Bitcoin.
The Hutchinson Police Department and the Reno County Sheriff’s Office say they’ve received multiple reports over the past two weeks involving scammers impersonating law enforcement officials and federal agencies. In one case, a victim was conned out of thousands of dollars by someone posing as a Reno County Sheriff’s detective. Another report involved an individual who lost $4,300 after being contacted by someone claiming to represent a federal agency.
Authorities emphasize that these scams often use high-pressure tactics and threats of arrest to manipulate victims into making immediate payments using Bitcoin—a digital currency that is difficult to track or recover.
“Law enforcement agencies will never call and collect payments to avoid arrest,” officials said in the Facebook Post. “No law enforcement entity, including the court system, will demand payment through gift cards, Bitcoin, or similar methods.”
Residents are urged to be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting money and to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a law enforcement officer by contacting the agency directly.
For verification or questions, contact the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816 or the Reno County Sheriff's Office at 620-694-2735.