HARRISBURG – Attorney General Dave Sunday has issued an alert that scammers are now using Bitcoin ATMs, or “BTMs,” as a means to gain access to your money.
Scammers will target consumers with urgent messaging — such as “protect your money” and “take care of any criminal charges” — during the scam. Unsuspecting consumers may also be persuaded to act because scammers have personal information, such as knowledge of their bank or financial institution.
After coercing a consumer into making large cash withdrawals, the cyber criminals tell the consumer to deposit the funds in a Bitcoin ATM. Following that deposit, the cyber criminals ask the consumer to scan and send a QR code, which gives the criminal access to the funds – and in most cases, makes it impossible to get the money back.
Many of these financial scams start with a telephone call, text message, email, social media message, or an alert on your computer.
“Scammers will try to alarm, scare, and persuade you to take sudden action — before you are able to stop and realize you are being scammed,” Attorney General Sunday said. “My office is offering advice on how to protect yourself from these elaborate deceptions.”
Here are a few tips to avoid being scammed:
- Never click on links or respond directly to unexpected calls, text messages, emails, or computer pop-ups. If you think the message could be legitimate, you should contact the company or agency directly. Never call the number provided in the message: go directly to the agency or company website to find contact information.
- Slow down! Scammers want to rush you, so stop and check it out. Before you make any moves, talk with someone you trust. Real law enforcement and real bank personnel would never rush you. If a scammer insists you remain on the phone or instructs you to mislead your bank or financial institution, it is a scam.
- Never withdraw cash in response to an unexpected call or message. Only scammers will request that you pay vast amounts of money in cash. Never send money through a Bitcoin ATM.
- Real businesses and government agencies would never ask for payment in Bitcoin, gift cards, or through wiring money – anyone who asks for funds this way is likely a scammer.
- Urge your bank to put more protections in place to prevent these scams. Bank employees often know how to spot a scam because people rarely withdraw large sums of cash. The bank has the right to refuse a withdrawal if they suspect you may be a victim of fraud. If your bank asks you questions about a transaction, they are trying to keep your money and information safe.
Consumers who believe they have been targeted by fraud or a scam may contact the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection online, by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov, or by calling the Office at 1-800-441-2555.
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