U.S. agencies including the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Secret Service have formed an interagency task force dedicated to combating cryptocurrency scams. This new operation, named the Scam Center Strike Force, will focus its efforts on cryptocurrency scams that are linked to Chinese transnational criminal organizations. These criminal networks are reportedly targeting U.S. citizens from operational centers located in Southeast Asia.
Task Force Introduction and Objectives
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro introduced the new unit in an announcement broadcast on YouTube. Pirro stated that the primary objective of the Scam Center Strike Force is to protect Americans from investment fraud operations. She specifically highlighted that the criminals behind these scams utilize everyday devices and platforms to carry out their illicit activities. Pirro claimed, "Scam centers are creating a generational wealth transfer from Main Street America into the pockets of Chinese organized crime."
The Scam Methodology and Financial Impact
According to the attorney, the fraud schemes typically begin with social engineering tactics, often initiated through social media or text messages. Scammers work to build a relationship of trust with their potential victims over a period of time. Once trust is established, they then encourage the victims to invest in cryptocurrency tokens, presenting them as legitimate opportunities with the potential for high profits.
After gaining the victim's trust, the scammers persuade them to transfer funds to fraudulent websites or applications that mimic legitimate cryptocurrency exchanges. Many of these fraudulent services are designed to use companies with hosting located within the United States. However, the funds that are transferred are then laundered into accounts that are situated outside of U.S. jurisdiction.
Federal authorities have reported the seizure of more than $400 million in cryptocurrency assets to date. Gregory Heeb, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI, confirmed that the agency is committed to collaborating with global partners to effectively stop cybercriminals involved in these schemes.
Kyo Dolan, Assistant Director of the Secret Service, added that these cryptocurrency investment scams have seen a tenfold increase in activity since 2019. Dolan specified that his agency responded to approximately 3,000 victims in fiscal year 2025 alone, indicating the significant scale of the problem.
The criminals involved in these operations frequently work from compounds located in Southeast Asian countries. Reports suggest that many individuals working within these scam centers are themselves victims of human trafficking, held against their will, and guarded by armed groups. The task force is actively coordinating international efforts to recover the stolen funds and facilitate their return to the victims.