Glasgow Police Issue Urgent Warning on Surging Cryptocurrency and Gift Card Scams Amid Rising Victim Losses

By Staff Reporter | Glasgow, KY – January 14, 2026

The Glasgow Police Department has issued a stark alert to residents, highlighting a wave of sophisticated scams involving cryptocurrency investments and gift cards that have already cost victims thousands of dollars in losses.[1][2]

Major Terry Flatt of the Glasgow Police Department revealed that the department has fielded multiple complaints in recent weeks about these fraudulent schemes. “Scams and frauds have resulted in people losing thousands of dollars,” Flatt stated in a press release, emphasizing the urgency of public awareness.[1][2]

Common Scam Tactics Exposed

One prevalent method begins with deceptive pop-up messages mimicking trusted companies like Microsoft or Apple, falsely claiming a user’s computer harbors a virus. Victims are directed to click a link or call a fake support number, granting scammers remote access to their devices. This allows criminals to steal personal information and install malware, paving the way for further exploitation.[1][2]

Another tactic involves imposters posing as investment managers who promise lucrative returns through cryptocurrency purchases. These fraudsters direct victims to seemingly legitimate websites, where funds are deposited under the guise of investment opportunities. However, attempts to withdraw “earnings” are thwarted by exorbitant fees or outright denials, often exposing more personal data in the process.[1][2]

Scammers also masquerade their schemes as IRS-approved individual retirement accounts (IRAs), luring victims with the allure of secure, government-backed investments. In a particularly insidious variation, perpetrators demand payments via gift cards— instructing targets to load money onto cards and share the access codes.[1][2]

Real-Life Encounters and Broader Trends

Local resident accounts underscore the scams’ reach. One individual shared a close call on January 10, 2026, after clicking a Facebook post that redirected to a fraudulent site claiming their computer was locked. “I knew what to do. I pulled the power plug on my PC, waited 5 minutes, and re-booted and it was gone,” they recounted, advising others to unplug devices immediately and avoid pressing keys.[2]

This incident aligns with similar reports elsewhere. In Collierville, scammers have posed as police officers, alleging arrest warrants and demanding payments in Bitcoin or gift cards—methods real law enforcement never employs over the phone.[3] Such impersonation scams exploit trust in authorities, amplifying their danger.

Experts note these frauds prey on urgency and fear, targeting everyone from tech-savvy users to seniors. The Federal Trade Commission reports cryptocurrency scams alone siphoned over $1 billion from Americans in 2025, with gift card fraud adding hundreds of millions more. Glasgow’s alerts reflect a national uptick, fueled by accessible online tools for scammers worldwide.

Police Recommendations for Protection

Glasgow Police offer clear guidance to thwart these threats:

• Never grant remote access to your computer based on pop-up warnings or unsolicited calls.
• Avoid unsolicited investment pitches, especially those involving cryptocurrency or unverified websites.
• Do not buy or share gift card codes with unknown parties, regardless of the pretext.
• Report suspicions immediately to local law enforcement without providing personal details to callers.
• Verify claims independently through official channels, such as the IRS website for tax-related inquiries.

“Do not provide any personal information and report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency,” the department’s release concludes.[1][2]

Community Impact and Calls for Vigilance

The financial toll extends beyond immediate losses; victims often face identity theft and drained savings. Glasgow’s small-town setting makes these scams especially disruptive, eroding community trust. Major Flatt stressed proactive measures: “The best defense is awareness.”

As digital threats evolve, police collaborate with federal agencies like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for investigations. Residents are encouraged to file reports at ic3.gov, aiding pattern recognition across jurisdictions.

This wave of scams serves as a reminder of the digital age’s double-edged sword—convenience shadowed by cunning fraud. Glasgow Police’s timely warning empowers residents to protect themselves and their neighbors.

For more information, contact the Glasgow Police Department at their non-emergency line. Stay safe, verify before you wire, and think twice about that pop-up.