Lincoln Police are warning residents to stay alert as cryptocurrency scams surge in 2026. Public Information Manager Erika Thomas says the year started with fewer reports and lower losses, but several high-dollar scams in recent weeks dramatically changed the numbers.
In the first quarter of the year, Lincoln Police received 16 reports totaling about $284,000 in loses. Thomas says that number has now climbed to 37 cases with more than $2.7 million dollars stolen.
She says three recent scams alone accounted for more than $2.3 million dollars in losses. “A 77-year-old Lincoln man invested more than $1.4 million via Bitcoin into an illegitimate online business between October and April.”
A 63-year-old Lincoln man lost more than $483,000 dollars in a crypto investment scam. A third victim, a 52-year-old Lincoln man, lost more than $422,000 during an online relationship tied to what investigators call a “pig butchering” scam.
Despite the increase, authorities say scam losses are still below last year’s pace, when Lincoln Police investigated 69 cryptocurrency scam cases totaling more than $3.5 million during the first five months of 2025.
Police urge residents to talk with family members and remain skeptical of promises involving large, quick returns on investments. They recommend remembering the acronym “SCAM” — Stop, Check, Avoid, and Make a Report. Anyone who believes they may be a victim is encouraged to contact Lincoln Police.
More information about cryptocurrency scams is available from Lincoln Police Department.