As consumer interest in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin has grown, scammers have reportedly become more active in this area.  Reported scams include deceptive investment and business opportunities, bait-and-switch schemes, and deceptively marketed mining machines. The FTC has continued its efforts to educate consumers about cryptocurrencies and hold fraudsters accountable.

The half-day event will bring together consumer groups, law enforcement, research organizations, and the private sector to explore how scammers are exploiting public interest in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and Litecoin and to discuss ways to empower and protect consumers.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held starting at 1 pm Central Time at DePaul University located at 1 East Jackson Blvd., Suite 8005, Chicago, IL 60604. Pre-registration is not required, but attendees are encouraged to register at fintechseries@ftc.gov(link sends e-mail). This event will be webcast live, and a link will be posted on this page on the day of the event.

The workshop is part of the FTC’s ongoing work to protect consumers taking advantage of new and emerging financial technology. As technological advances expand the ways consumers can store, share, spend, and borrow money, the FTC is working to keep consumers protected while encouraging innovation for consumers’ benefit.

This course has been approved for 2.75 Illinois MCLE general credit hour(s).