## Lincoln’s Fight Against Cryptocurrency Scams: A Partnership with AARP
The rise of cryptocurrency has opened doors to modern financial opportunities, but it has also brought about a surge in scams, particularly targeting older adults. In Lincoln, Nebraska, the local Police Department is now teaming up with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to combat this alarming trend by educating the older generation about the risks associated with cryptocurrency scams.
### A Growing Problem in Lincoln
Despite being a city with a population of just over 291,000, Lincoln has not escaped the grasp of modern financial fraud. According to Police Chief Michon Morrow, residents have fallen victim to scams resulting in losses exceeding $11 million. A significant portion of these losses has come from schemes that specifically target older adults, who may struggle to understand how digital currencies operate but often trust the legitimacy of official-looking cryptocurrency ATMs.
### New Ordinance Aims to Protect Seniors
In response to this crisis, the Lincoln City Council passed a new ordinance—Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 9.70—on November 17. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird quickly signed it into law, signifying a proactive measure to ensure that residents, especially seniors, comprehend the risks prior to using cryptocurrency ATMs. Instead of banning these machines outright, the ordinance requires businesses operating cryptocurrency ATMs to display clear warnings about the potential for fraud.
Business owners have until December 24 to adhere to this mandate by posting the warning stickers provided by the Lincoln Police Department. Currently, there are approximately 100 of these machines peppered throughout the city.
### Focus on Education and Prevention
“The Lincoln Police Department understands how devastating it is to become a victim of financial fraud,” remarked Chief Morrow. His emphasis on prevention through education reflects a shift from punitive measures to community awareness. The department encourages families to discuss scams and share knowledge as a collective effort to mitigate risks.
AARP Nebraska is equally committed to this initiative. In mid-December, 20 volunteers from AARP will distribute informative packets and warning stickers at every cryptocurrency ATM location. These packets will use plain language to explain how scams operate and why these ATMs are often exploited by criminals.
Todd Stubbendieck, State Director for AARP Nebraska, noted, “Our volunteer Fraud Fighters are raising awareness about how scammers exploit cryptocurrency kiosks because once money is sent through a digital wallet, it is nearly impossible to trace or recover.”
### Supporting Resources and Future Plans
To bolster public knowledge, the Lincoln Police Department has launched a dedicated webpage offering up-to-date information on financial and cryptocurrency scams. This resource is tailored for individuals who may be encountering these technologies for the first time.
Additionally, in January, the Police Department plans to expand its Technical Investigations Unit, adding a fifth investigator specifically focused on cryptocurrency-related fraud, reinforcing their commitment to combating these scams.
### Conclusion: A Community Awakening
As Lincoln takes significant steps to protect its older residents from cryptocurrency scams, the message is clear: if a stranger is urging you to use a crypto ATM, it’s a red flag. Through a combination of local legislation and community outreach, Lincoln is making strides to ensure that residents are informed and vigilant. This collaborative approach could serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar issues in the face of evolving financial technology.