Tether, a major player in the cryptocurrency world, has aided the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in seizing about $1.4 million worth of Tether (USDT) tokens from a tech support scam. The funds are set to be returned to the victims of the fraudulent scheme. Tether's cooperation with the DOJ and FBI demonstrates its commitment to fighting financial fraud involving cryptocurrencies.
The DOJ has publicly thanked Tether for its help in transferring these assets, highlighting the company's dedication to maintaining integrity in the crypto industry.
The scam, which primarily targeted elderly individuals across the U.S., is still under investigation. The perpetrators used pop-up messages to deceive victims into believing their computers were compromised, prompting them to seek tech support. Victims were then convinced that their bank accounts were at risk, leading them to convert their funds into cryptocurrency to protect them from hackers. These funds were then moved into virtual currency wallets controlled by the scammers.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated, "We are proud to collaborate with the U.S. government in combating financial fraud in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The seizure of $1.4 million worth of Tether (USDT) is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to uphold integrity in this rapidly evolving industry. Our commitment to protecting users and eliminating illicit activities remains strong. We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies worldwide to create a safer and more secure environment."
Tether remains dedicated to fighting financial fraud and illicit activities in the cryptocurrency realm. The company will continue to assist law enforcement agencies voluntarily to ensure the safety and security of its users and the broader crypto community.