The U.S. FBI issues a warning that scam groups are using offline cash couriers to collect payments in cryptocurrency investment scams, with most victims being elderly people.

Scammers typically first establish trust through social media platforms, text messages, or by posing as cryptocurrency investment experts, then induce victims to invest on fake trading platforms and display false profits.
When banks intercept suspicious transfers or victims attempt to withdraw funds, scammers claim that accounts have been flagged, that fines must be paid, or that further investments are needed, and they ask victims to prepare cash and arrange couriers to pick up the money at their residence or public places.
To increase credibility, scammers also provide serial numbers of U.S. dollar bills, passwords, and other methods to let victims "verify" the identity of the withdrawal personnel.
The FBI reminds the public not to hand over cash to strangers or disclose home addresses, and to verify platform URLs, app screenshots, and related comments before investing.