local
What to know as cryptocurrency scams rise in Texas
By Texas Tribune, Ayden Runnels at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 8, 2026
· 5 min read
Texans lost more than $1 billion to scams involving cryptocurrency in 2025, according to the FBI, second only to California in the amount siphoned away by fraudsters.Scams using crypto often involve fraudulent investment opportunities, but criminals are increasingly turning to the digital currenc...
Key takeaway Scams generally fall into two categories, said Michael Levine, chief felony prosecutor for the Cyber and Financial Crimes Division of the Harris County district attorney’s office.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
In Piney Point Village , residents should be particularly cautious of these scams given the area's affluent demographic, which may be targeted by sophisticated fraudsters. The fact that Harris County is already on the frontlines of combating these crimes, with the district attorney's office actively working to prosecute cyber and financial crimes, is a reassuring sign. However, it's crucial for local residents to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves, such as verifying the legitimacy of investment opportunities and being wary of unsolicited calls or messages. By doing their due diligence and reporting suspicious activity to the authorities, Piney Point Village residents can help prevent these scams from taking hold in their community and minimize the risk of financial loss. The rise of cryptocurrency scams in Texas should serve as a warning to local residents to be more mindful of their financial transactions and to seek guidance from reputable sources before making any investments.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
Get more The Piney Point stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Texans lost more than $1 billion to scams involving cryptocurrency in 2025, according to the FBI, second only to California in the amount siphoned away by fraudsters.Scams using crypto often involve fraudulent investment opportunities, but criminals are increasingly turning to the digital currenc...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Ayden Runnels at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter