Scammers Are Turning To Crypto-Currency Machines To Deceive Consumers

DANVERS, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Scammers are turning to crypto-currency ATMs to target new victims.

Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker released a PSA, warning of a new wave of financial scams telling people to wire cryptocurrency through an ATM. He said that it is critical to be aware of the warning signs and report scams to police if it happens to you or someone you know. 

“We’ve had about $10 million worth of reported fraud due to all different types of schemes,” said Tucker in the PSA. 

Becky Christie from Danvers, Mass. said she had recently been pressured by scammers into sending thousands of dollars through an ATM.

“I went to a [bank] teller and asked to withdraw $13,000, I [then] went to a gas station and put it all into Bitcoin,” said Becky Christie. 

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Another Danvers resident named Ken believes that new technology means new scams, so he stays away from all things crypto related. 

“I would never buy the stuff, you know? I wouldn’t take any part of it, not that we can’t spare it, we’re all retired,” said Ken. 

The DA’s office has warned that legitimate parties will not just accept crypto currency like Bitcoin. 

WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.