10 Things Police Officers Wish They Could Tell You but Can’t: A Cryptocurrency Scam Investigator’s Perspective

As a blockchain investigator, I have a unique vantage point on the challenges and limitations faced by law enforcement when dealing with cryptocurrency scams. Here are ten things that law enforcement officers wish they could tell you but are often constrained by protocol or procedure.

1. Your Low-Loss Case Isn't a Priority

Key Insight: Cryptocurrency scams involving sums below $50,000 may not receive the attention they deserve. Smaller loss cases can be overlooked in favor of more high-profile cases that go directly to federal agencies like the FBI.

2. They Can’t Accuse You of Lying

Key Insight: Law enforcement understands that victims may feel embarrassed or ashamed after committing a fraud. They know when you say you were hacked, and they know it's often because you were too reckless with your digital assets.

3. Officers Cannot Hack into Personal Devices

Key Insight: Law enforcement has strict limitations on what they can and cannot do in the digital realm, such as hacking into phones, computers, or any other personal devices. Their primary focus is on identifying criminal activity based on available evidence.

4. They Cannot Unilaterally Take Down a Fraud Organization

Key Insight: Unless multiple victims come forward with similar reports, law enforcement may not have the resources or jurisdiction to take down an entire fraudulent operation on their own. It typically requires collective action and coordination with federal agencies.

5. Personal Information Is Crucial

Key Insight: Providing detailed personal information about your scammers, such as transaction details (cryptocurrency addresses, amounts, types, dates, and IDs), can be critical. This information helps law enforcement piece together a case and trace the funds back to the perpetrators.

6. Salvaging Stolen Hardware

Key Insight: Law enforcement and crime scene investigators (CSI) don't typically process entire homes or businesses, even if the digital hardware is stolen. They usually focus on evidence that can be recovered and analyzed in a controlled environment.

7. DNA Tests Take Time

Key Insight: A hair strand from a suspect may seem like a solid lead, but DNA tests can take weeks or even years to process. Investigators need to prioritize their resources on cases that offer a higher probability of immediate results.

8. You Don’t Directly Fund Their Salaries

Key Insight: Police and CSIs don't get paid directly by individual victims. Their salaries are funded by the general tax fund, making it infeasible to expect quick action based on victim demands.

9. Lack of Transparency with Case Outcomes

Key Insight: Law enforcement may not be able to tell you when a case is progressing or when it's reached a dead end, especially if they are not actively working on your case. Transparency in law enforcement can be limited for various reasons, including jurisdictional challenges.

10. What Happens if You Getuxt caught

Key Insight: Even if the troll you're dealing with is caught, they may have legal defenses, such as legal representation. This can lead to lengthy legal battles that may further delay the resolution of your case.