The Lincoln Police Department reported a slight decline in cryptocurrency scam cases last year, yet victims suffered greater financial damage overall. Reports dropped from 133 in 2024 to 127 in 2025, but total losses rose to $4.4 million from $3.1 million. Average losses per victim reached nearly $35,000.
In Lincoln, Nebraska, the police department has noted a downward trend in cryptocurrency scam reports over the past two years. Data shows 133 cases in 2024, decreasing to 127 in 2025. Despite fewer incidents, the financial impact intensified, with losses climbing from $3.1 million to $4.4 million. Each affected individual lost an average of almost $35,000 in 2025.
November and December marked the year's lowest reporting periods, with just five cases each. This followed the city's initiative to address the problem through a new ordinance. Signed in November by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, the measure requires warnings at every crypto ATM in Lincoln, with a placement deadline of December 24.
The Lincoln Police Department attributes the reduced reports to heightened awareness. "This shows that awareness works. The more we talk about scams, the better we protect our hard-earned money," the department stated. These efforts appear to be curbing the number of victims, even as the scams grow more lucrative for perpetrators.