PENNSYLVANIA (WBNG) — Attorney General Dave Sunday said scammers now use Bitcoin ATMs, or “BTMs,” to scam people.
Officials said scammers target consumers with urgent messaging, such as “protect your money” and “take care of any criminal charges.” Unsuspecting consumers may also be persuaded because scammers have their personal information, such as their bank or financial institution.
After coercing a consumer into large cash withdrawals, the cyber criminals tell the consumer to deposit the funds in a Bitcoin ATM. Following that deposit, officials said cyber criminals ask the consumer to scan and send a QR code, giving criminals access to the funds and making it impossible to get the money back.
“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,” said Sunday. “My office is offering advice on how to protect yourself from these elaborate deceptions.”
Officials gave various tips to avoid being scammed.
- Do not click on links or respond directly to unexpected calls, text messages, emails or computer pop-ups. If you think the message is legitimate, contact the company or agency directly. Never call the number provided in the message.
- Scammers want to rush you, so stop and check it out. Actual 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.
- Do not withdraw cash or send money through a Bitcoin ATM in response to a call or message. Only scammers will request that you pay vast amounts of money in cash. Real businesses and government agencies would never ask for payment in Bitcoin, gift cards or through wiring money.
- Bank employees know how to spot a scam because people rarely withdraw large sums of cash. The bank has the right to refuse a withdrawal if it suspects fraud. If your bank asks you questions about a transaction, they are trying to keep your money and information safe.
Officials said that consumers who believe they have been the target of a scam may contact the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection online, email scams@attorneygeneral.gov or call the office at 1-800-441-2555.
Copyright 2025 WBNG. All rights reserved.
