The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning about a fraudulent token operating on the Tron blockchain that impersonates the agency in order to harvest personal information from unsuspecting users. The alert was shared by FBI New York‘s official account on X on Thursday. The post highlighted a message that some Tron users had received through the fake token, which displayed the agency’s name and official seal.
The fraudulent message informs recipients that their wallet is currently under investigation, creating a sense of urgency designed to prompt immediate action. It then directs users to complete a bogus anti-money laundering verification process through an online portal, warning that failure to comply will result in a total block on their assets. This tactic mirrors the high-pressure approach commonly used in phishing schemes targeting cryptocurrency holders.
Crypto-related scams of this nature have become an increasingly costly problem in the United States. In April, the FBI reported receiving more than 140,000 complaints referencing cryptocurrency fraud during 2024, with total losses reaching $9.3 billion. That figure represents a 66% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing scale of digital asset fraud.
In response to the current scam, the FBI has urged Tron users to exercise caution if they come across the fake token. The agency specifically advised against providing any identifying information to websites connected to the fraudulent token. Users who believe they may have already submitted personal details to the scammers are encouraged to file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
The warning comes as a reminder of the FBI’s broader efforts to combat cryptocurrency fraud. In 2024, the agency created its own artificial intelligence-related token as part of an undercover operation. The token, named NexFundAI, was designed to function as bait for individuals engaged in manipulative trading practices, particularly pump-and-dump schemes.
The sting operation proved effective, resulting in charges against at least 18 individuals who had participated in manipulating the token’s trading volume. The operation demonstrated the FBI’s willingness to use unconventional methods to identify and prosecute those exploiting the cryptocurrency market. The current advisory signals that the agency continues to monitor blockchain-based fraud targeting the public.
Originally reported by CoinTelegraph.
