Essex County has seen a staggering rise in scams and fraud, causing millions of dollars to be lost, District Attorney Paul Tucker told Chamber members and the business community on Wednesday, Feb, 7.
Scammers are savvier and more creative, and the scams are becoming hard to spot, which leads to more victims believing they are legitimate, DA Tucker said. As bitcoin machines grow in popularity, scammers are also using them as a tool, convincing victims to deposit cash in the virtual currency kiosks under false pretenses. Once that happens, the money is gone and can’t be returned, Tucker warned. The 600 bitcoin machines across the state have little regulations, he added, which he is working with legislators to change. The state will use New York’s strict regulations as a model when developing a framework, he added.
The region is also seeing an uptick in violence among young people, in the communities of Lawrence and Lynn, Tucker added. Law enforcement is working hard to keep youth out of the system and using restorative justice when the case is appropriate.
Tucker, who recently marked his first year in office, spoke during The Chamber’s monthly breakfast forum. The former Salem police Chief and state representative reflected on his journey to his current position and highlighted his work at the state level.
The breakfast at Spinelli’s was sponsored by Presenting Sponsors Wellpoint (formerly UniCare) and L.W. Bills, as well as Title Sponsor Tenadel HR Consulting.