Detectives Recover $20,000 in Cryptocurrency From Major Pitt County Scam

Why did the scammer go to court?

Because fraud really is a full-time job these days.

In this publication, we're breaking down a scam that cost one North Carolina resident over $60,000 — and how a rare recovery of crypto funds has offered a sliver of justice. This case reveals just how sophisticated scams have become… and why staying alert is more important than ever.

A scammer used false pretenses to steal $61,000 — mostly in cash and cryptocurrency — from a local victim. One suspect has been arrested, but others remain at large, possibly overseas.


How It Works:

This was a hybrid scam involving in-person fraud and crypto laundering:

  1. A victim in Wayne County was manipulated into handing over $39,000 in cash and an additional $22,000 through cryptocurrency platforms.
  2. The scam took place at a business complex in Pitt County, where the suspect met the victim in person — adding a false sense of legitimacy.
  3. The scammers used false pretenses (typically lies about needing money for urgent, believable situations) to get the funds.
  4. Once the money was in their hands — or in their digital wallets — it began disappearing into the crypto ether.


Who’s Targeted:

  • Primarily local residents, especially those unfamiliar with crypto or under stress.
  • People who respond to urgent or emotionally manipulative requests — often involving businesses, law enforcement, or family emergencies.
  • Victims who may be convinced to meet in person or transfer crypto under pressure.


Real-Life Example:

On March 17, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office was alerted that a local resident had been scammed out of $61,000 — $39,000 in physical cash and $22,000 through crypto.

Detectives identified 37-year-old Nisarg Mayank Acharya of Elon as one of the suspects. After a multi-agency effort, he was arrested on April 10 in Chapel Hill. He faces multiple charges, including obtaining property by false pretenses and conspiracy.

In a rare win, detectives secured a court order to seize and return $20,000 in stolen cryptocurrency to the victim on May 20.

The rest? Likely gone — siphoned off by offshore accomplices now outside the reach of U.S. law enforcement.


Why You Should Care:

Scams like these blend old-school lies with modern tech, making them increasingly hard to detect and stop. Once money moves into crypto wallets — especially overseas — it’s almost impossible to recover.

Even more alarming? These criminals are getting bolder, meeting victims in public places and tricking them face-to-face.

This scam is a stark reminder that you don’t need to be online to get scammed in the digital age.


How to Protect Yourself:

• Never give money to someone you’ve just met, especially if they claim to be from a government agency or business — always verify first.

• Be skeptical of high-pressure tactics, especially those involving urgent payments, secrecy, or threats.

• Don’t hand over crypto payments unless you 100% trust and can verify the recipient — crypto is nearly untraceable.

• Use two-factor authentication and lock down any financial apps you use regularly.

• Report suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement or the FTC — it might help stop future scams.


Quick Tips:

Quick Tip #1: Did you know? In 2024, over 45% of fraud involving crypto was linked to social engineering tactics — scams that manipulate you emotionally or psychologically.

Pro Tip: If someone demands secrecy or insists you don’t talk to others about a payment — that’s your biggest red flag. Talk to a trusted friend or family member before acting.


Stay safe, stay informed.


Keywords:

False Pretenses Scam – A fraud tactic where a criminal uses lies to convince someone to hand over money or property.

Crypto Seizure – A rare legal process where law enforcement recovers stolen cryptocurrency.

Social Engineering – The psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information.

NCIC (National Crime Information Center) – A federal database used by police to track and locate suspects across the U.S.

Conspiracy to Commit Fraud – When multiple people work together to plan and execute a fraudulent scheme.


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