Crypto Scammer Sentenced to 15 Months for Impersonating Influencers
New York man Noman Saleem gets 15 months in prison for fake staking scheme on Telegram.
A New York man has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for impersonating cryptocurrency influencers on Telegram to promote a fraudulent staking scheme. Noman Saleem, 39, of Queens and Levittown, was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to court documents, Saleem operated the scam from December 2020 through at least March 2021. He posed as well-known crypto influencers on the messaging platform Telegram, convincing victims to invest in a fake crypto staking opportunity. Instead of investing the funds, Saleem pocketed the money for personal use.
The case highlights ongoing risks in the crypto space where bad actors exploit social media platforms to lure victims with promises of guaranteed returns. Authorities urge users to verify identities and be cautious of unsolicited investment offers.