SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Police Department is warning seniors about a rising wave of cryptocurrency scams that can drain thousands of dollars in minutes, often with little chance of recovery.
The department is launching a new citywide effort to stop scammers before more residents are victimized.
Using 2024 data, SAPD reported that Bexar County had the second-highest number of exploitation cases in the state, with over 1,300 reports. In 2025, the number of cases increased.
As part of its outreach, SAPD began placing 90 posters around the city at Bitcoin ATMs to help seniors recognize the warning signs of cryptocurrency scams. Investigators note that these crimes are difficult to solve because once money is deposited into a cryptocurrency account, tracing the recipient is challenging.
Seniors are often targeted through romance scams, in which scammers build trust over time before asking for money. Other common tactics include pop-up computer messages and impersonation of government agencies. Detective Ricardo Heredia explained that scammers can gain access to victims’ computers and credit card information through emails or requests for personal data.
Scammers may also lure seniors with promises of high-return investments or claims that they must pay money to resolve an active warrant.
Until more safeguards and research are developed to address cryptocurrency-related crimes, SAPD urges seniors and all residents to stay alert and ignore suspicious messages to protect their personal information.
