Financial & Cryptocurrency Scams
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Scams, especially financial and cryptocurrency fraud, can drain life savings in seconds, damage credit for years and leave victims feeling betrayed and isolated. These crimes are sophisticated, fast-moving and often difficult to undo once money is sent, especially when transferred via cryptocurrency or gift cards.
By staying alert, verifying before you trust and reporting suspicious activity immediately, we can all play a role in stopping scammers and protecting our community.
Lincolnites lost more than $11 million to cryptocurrency scams in the first 11 months of 2025 alone. No government agency, bank or legitimate business will ask for payment in the form of cryptocurrency or gift cards.
View Chief's Corner discussion on scams
Lincoln Municipal Code
October 2025 | Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird proposed a new city ordinance to help prevent older adults from becoming victims of cryptocurrency fraud.
November 2025 | The Lincoln City Council unanimously passed the ordinance, defining cryptocurrency and crypto ATMs in Lincoln Municipal Code. Chapter 9.70 also requires a posted written warning from LPD providing notice to customers and users of the potential fraud or scam risks associated with using the machines.
December 2025 | LPD worked with AARP Nebraska volunteers to place these warning stickers on crypto ATMs in the community and educate the public about this growing issue.
Watch Lincoln's Warning Sticker Media Event
Local Investigations
The Lincoln Police Department Technical Investigations Unit is comprised of one sergeant and four investigators whose work includes investigating cryptocurrency scams. In January 2026, a fifth investigator will join the team focused specifically on cryptocurrency scams. Our goal is to prevent more people from becoming victims and limit the financial loss of these crimes.
State & Federal Resources
The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance is responsible for the regulation of crypto ATMs. The new Nebraska Controllable Electronic Record Fraud Prevention Act includes several new consumer protection provisions, including required refunds for eligible consumers who are fraudulently induced into making a transaction at a crypto ATM.
Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (NDBF)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
National Elder Fraud Hotline