Veteran Loses $802,000 to Crypto Scam in Gwinnett County; Warns Others About Cybercrime Dangers
Jerry Dunaway, a 74-year-old U.S. Navy veteran from northeast Gwinnett County, recently fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam, highlighting the increasing threat of cybercrime targeting older adults in Atlanta.
According to Dunaway, he was initially lured into the scam by a person named Sophei Van Buren, who contacted him through WhatsApp. At first, Dunaway saw promising returns on his investments, but when he tried to withdraw his funds, he found that they were no longer accessible. Realizing that he had been scammed, Dunaway reported the incident to the police.
The Gwinnett County Police Department is currently investigating the case and has pending charges against Van Buren. Meanwhile, the Dunaway family has started a GoFundMe page to help recoup their losses and support other victims of similar scams.
Unfortunately, this is just one example of the growing trend of cybercrime targeting seniors. Older adults are often seen as vulnerable and are more likely to fall prey to scams. It’s crucial for individuals of all ages to be cautious and vigilant when it comes to sharing personal information or investing in unfamiliar schemes.
Source: ATL Newsroom