A routine traffic stop on Interstate 20 in Webster Parish led Louisiana State Police to uncover a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam that targeted an 82-year-old man from Midland, Texas. The driver of a rental car, initially suspected of involvement in drug-related activities, was found carrying $200,000 in cash.
Authorities believe the elderly Texan fell victim to a “pig-butchering” scheme, a type of crypto scam where scammers build trust through quick gains before luring victims into larger investments. The scam originated in China and has gone global during the pandemic.
The driver, acting as a courier, was paid to transport the money from Texas to an undisclosed location on the East Coast. Despite suspicions, no drugs were found in the vehicle, and a receipt indicated the cash withdrawal from the victim’s bank.
Louisiana State Police, in coordination with Midland authorities, have decided to…
