With cryptocurrency fraud putting Americans at risk through fake investment platforms and other online scams, the nationwide law firm Meyer Wilson Werning is encouraging younger adults to be a part of the solution.¶
The firm created a $2,500 scholarship that requires college students to analyze crypto-related scams and propose real solutions for affected families and communities in their applications.¶
What is Crypto Fraud
Cryptocurrency investment fraud occurs when scammers manipulate or deceive victims into depositing money into cryptocurrency-based “investments.” Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that allows people to make direct payments to one another through an online system.¶
According to the FBI’s website, these “investments” are fake, and all victim money is under the control of or stolen by criminal actors, usually overseas.¶
Patrick McEuen, Director of Operations for Meyer Wilson Werning, said these crypto scams are becoming sophisticated, operating through data breaches, stolen personal information, and even by creating entire fake, artificial intelligence-generated websites and customer service departments to target their victims.¶
How the Scholarship Helps
McEuen said that his firm receives more than 100 calls a month from victims of cryptocurrency scams, with some losing millions of dollars. He believes that one solution to the problem is to encourage more people to start talking about it at the grassroots level.¶
“It’s just terrifying right now that so many people can’t discern what is real online and what’s not,” McEuen said. “The best thing we could do is try to arm the people whose loved ones could actually do something about it.”¶
That’s the idea behind the scholarship.¶
McEuen hopes it encourages students who apply to be a part of the solution by raising awareness with their own loved ones.¶
He said that if at least one student applying for the scholarship realizes that a loved one is the victim of crypto fraud, the firm has done its job¶
“I just don’t think it’s getting enough attention right now,” McEuen said. “If all it takes is one, then it’s worth it.”¶
Scholarship Details
Students interested in applying are encouraged to raise scam awareness within their communities and check on their family members, asking questions and getting their thoughts. Applicants are also asked to submit an original essay addressing steps that they can take to protect their families and communities as well as how to combat cryptocurrency investment fraud.¶
Applications can be submitted through September 15, 2026, on Meyer Wilson Werning’s website.¶
Application requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrollment or admission to an accredited U.S. college, university, or graduate program, and U.S. citizenship or authorization to attend school in the United States.¶
