Gwinnett Couple Loses $800M in Sophisticated Crypto Scam

A retired couple from Gwinnett County, Georgia, Jerry and Mindy Dunaway, lost over $800,000 from their retirement savings in a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam that began with a WhatsApp message. The scam involved a seemingly legitimate trading app and an AI-generated fake site that manipulated Jerry's view of his investments, allowing scammers to steal the funds over several months. The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report highlighted a significant rise in cryptocurrency-related crimes and losses, especially among seniors, with Georgia ranking 11th in the nation for complaints and losses from such scams. The Dunaways, devastated but determined, are now warning others about the dangers of unsolicited investment offers and urging vigilance, while working with local authorities who note that recovery of funds in these cases is rare. Experts emphasize that cryptocurrency is less regulated than traditional cash, increasing vulnerability to such frauds. The couple's story underscores the growing threat of online crypto scams and the need for increased public awareness and caution.