Ohio Woman Recovers $35K in Bitcoin Scam Thanks to Fast-Acting Cybercrime Team

A 73-year-old woman from Delhi Township, Ohio, has become one of the rare success stories in the world of cryptocurrency fraud. After losing over $41,000 in a sophisticated Bitcoin scam last August, she was able to recover most of her money—thanks to the quick response of local police and Ohio’s cybercrime task force.

It all started with a familiar trap: a fake pop-up on her laptop claiming her device had been hacked. The alert included a number for “Microsoft support”—but it was actually run by scammers. When she called, a fraudster pretending to be a technician instructed her to withdraw thousands in cash and convert it into Bitcoin using a local crypto ATM. Over multiple transactions, she sent $41,750—straight into the hands of criminals.

Unfortunately, these types of scams are becoming increasingly common, especially among older Americans. The FBI says tech support scams caused nearly $1 billion in losses in 2023 alone.

How Authorities Recovered the Funds

After realizing she had been tricked, the victim contacted the Delhi Township Police Department. The case was quickly referred to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Electronic Financial Investigations Unit (EFIU)—a team that specializes in following the digital money trail.

Their efforts included:

• Tracing Bitcoin wallets linked to the scam

• Freezing crypto accounts before the funds could be moved again

• Working with legal and financial platforms to recover the stolen assets

Thanks to these steps, the EFIU was able to recover more than $35,000—a rare win in crypto fraud cases, where decentralized networks make it notoriously difficult to get stolen funds back.

Officials Urge Quick Action in Crypto Scams

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost praised the outcome, emphasizing that time is critical in these cases. “Crypto scammers set elaborate traps, but this case shows how fast action can turn the tables,” Yost said. “Because the victim reported it immediately, we were able to get most of her money back.”

Delhi Township Police Chief Jeff Braun also credited the team effort: “Our partnership with the BCI was crucial. Their cyber expertise made the difference.”

Takeaway: Act Fast, Stay Alert

This case is a powerful reminder: If something feels off, don’t wait. Report it. The sooner a scam is reported, the better the odds of recovering lost funds—especially in the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency.

If you or someone you know may have been targeted by a scam involving digital currency, contact local law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.