ScamWatch USA
Log in
Back to Scam Alerts
CRITICAL THREAT · Online Fraud and Transnational Crime

DOJ Disrupts Transnational Scam Networks in Joint International Operation

The U.S. Department of Justice recently concluded a coordinated international 'Joint Disruption Week' targeting transnational criminal networks operating out of West Africa. This operation resulted in multiple arrests, the seizure of electronic devices, and the removal of over 3.7 million accounts used for fraudulent activities.

10/24/2026Social media platformsEmail servicesCryptocurrency investment websitesMessaging applications

Warning signs

  • Unsolicited contact claiming to be law enforcement or government officials
  • Demands for immediate payment to avoid 'arrest' or legal consequences
  • Pressure to invest in cryptocurrency through unfamiliar platforms or websites
  • Requests to move funds to 'safe' accounts or cryptocurrency wallets
  • Social engineering tactics designed to build trust over time before requesting money

What you should do

  • Never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers or messages
  • Verify the identity of any official claiming to represent a government agency through official, independently sourced contact channels
  • Report suspected fraud or scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • Be skeptical of investment opportunities that promise high returns with little risk, especially those involving cryptocurrency
  • Do not pay fees or provide account details to receive refunds or payments from government agencies
During the October 2026 Joint Disruption Week, law enforcement and private industry partners collaborated to dismantle criminal networks responsible for various online scams. These operations targeted schemes including law enforcement impersonation, digital 'arrest' extortion, and cryptocurrency investment fraud, commonly known as 'pig butchering.' These criminal organizations utilize social engineering and multi-platform campaigns to target victims globally. Additionally, the DOJ's Scam Center Strike Force has been actively restraining illicit funds, with reports indicating nearly $1 billion in scam-linked cryptocurrency has been frozen as of mid-October 2026.

Sources

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-announces-results-law-enforcement-and-private-industry-joint-disruptionhttps://cryptobriefing.com/trump-doj-freezes-nearly-1-billion-scam-crypto/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/10/ftc-returns-more-158-million-consumers-misled-cash-advance-app-company-cleo-ai