In a recent development, stablecoin issuer Tether joined forces with the US Department of Justice and the FBI to seize $1.4 million USDT linked to a tech support scam network. This scheme specifically targeted vulnerable elderly individuals through deceptive pop-up ads. These ads would falsely alert victims to compromised devices, prompting them to seek help from fake tech support services. The scammers would then trick victims into believing that their accounts were compromised and coerce them into converting their funds into cryptocurrencies and transferring them to hacker-controlled wallets.
Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, hailed the successful seizure of the $1.4 million USDT as a significant milestone in the company’s mission to maintain integrity within the crypto industry. This action aligns with Tether’s continuous efforts to combat the illicit use of cryptocurrencies by malicious actors. Ardoino emphasized Tether’s dedication to safeguarding users and eliminating illegal activities within the space.
Aside from cracking down on fraudulent activities, Tether has also made strides in enhancing the utility of its USDT stablecoin through integration with the mobile-centric layer-1 platform, Celo. This integration comes with various benefits for USDT, including lower transaction fees. It also expands the use cases of stable assets on Celo, covering remittances, savings, lending, peer-to-peer transactions, and cross-border payments. Ardoino praised Celo as an essential new layer in the ecosystem, citing its low fees and focus on emerging markets.
Furthermore, Celo is transitioning to a layer 2 network on Ethereum, with plans to use USDT as a gas currency within the platform. This initiative aims to streamline transactions and improve efficiency within decentralized applications specializing in payments, lending, and other financial services. Interestingly, USDT’s competitor, Circle-issued USDC, also expanded its integration with Celo earlier this year.
Tether’s collaboration with law enforcement agencies to combat fraudulent schemes, coupled with its efforts to enhance the utility of USDT through partnerships like Celo, demonstrates a proactive approach to improving security and integrity in the rapidly evolving crypto industry. By prioritizing user protection and working towards eradicating illicit activities, Tether sets a precedent for responsible governance and innovation in the digital asset space.