Cryptocurrency ATM Fraud
The FTC issued a specific August 2024 consumer alert on crypto ATM scams. Scammers (often impersonating government agencies, utilities, or tech support) direct victims to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency ATM and send it to a provided wallet address. Funds are irreversible.
Reports
FTC consumer alert August 2024
First documented
2021
Last active
2026-03
⚠ This page documents a reported scam pattern for educational purposes. Sources are cited for all statistics and claims. ZeroScam is not affiliated with the FTC, FBI, or FCC.
What the scam says
Government impersonator: 'Your Social Security number has been suspended. To protect your assets during our investigation, withdraw $5,000 from your bank and deposit it at a Bitcoin ATM at [address]. I'll give you a QR code.' Or utility threat: 'Your power will be shut off in 2 hours unless you pay $800 at a Bitcoin ATM.' Instructions always include a QR code to scan at the machine.
4 red flags
FTC issued a specific August 2024 consumer alert on crypto ATM scams
No legitimate government agency, utility, or business accepts payment via cryptocurrency ATM
Crypto ATM transactions are irreversible — money cannot be recovered
The QR code directs funds directly to the scammer's wallet
What to do
Hang up immediately — no legitimate entity requires crypto ATM payment
Do not go to any crypto ATM directed by an unsolicited caller
If you already sent funds: report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov immediately — speed matters
Report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report this scam
Source
FBI IC3 2024 Annual Report — crypto ATM used in multiple fraud categories; FTC consumer alert on crypto ATMs 2024
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/08/scams-and-crypto-atms ↗People also search for
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cryptocurrency ATM Fraud?▼
The FTC issued a specific August 2024 consumer alert on crypto ATM scams. Scammers (often impersonating government agencies, utilities, or tech support) direct victims to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency ATM and send it to a provided wallet address. Funds are irreversible.
How do I recognize a Cryptocurrency ATM Fraud?▼
Red flags: FTC issued a specific August 2024 consumer alert on crypto ATM scams; No legitimate government agency, utility, or business accepts payment via cryptocurrency ATM; Crypto ATM transactions are irreversible — money cannot be recovered.
What should I do if I receive a Cryptocurrency ATM Fraud?▼
Hang up immediately — no legitimate entity requires crypto ATM payment Do not go to any crypto ATM directed by an unsolicited caller If you already sent funds: report to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov immediately — speed matters
How common is the Cryptocurrency ATM Fraud?▼
FTC consumer alert August 2024. First documented: 2021. Source: FBI IC3 2024 Annual Report — crypto ATM used in multiple fraud categories; FTC consumer alert on crypto ATMs 2024.
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Check your message →Source: FBI IC3 2024 Annual Report — crypto ATM used in multiple fraud categories; FTC consumer alert on crypto ATMs 2024
First documented: 2021 · Last active: 2026-03
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