Bitcoin ATM Scams Surge Tenfold Since 2020: FTC Issues Warning

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The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sounded the alarm on a sharp rise in Bitcoin ATM scams, with fraudulent activities linked to these machines surging tenfold since 2020. This worrying trend highlights how scammers are exploiting the anonymity and rapid transaction capabilities of cryptocurrency to deceive unsuspecting victims.

FTC’s Warning

In 2023 alone, reported losses from the crypto ATM scams exceeded $110 million, with the FTC noting that consumers aged 60 and older are particularly vulnerable—being three times more likely to fall victim than younger users. The agency has issued a stern warning to the public: no legitimate organization or government entity will ever request payment in Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency via an ATM.

“Neither Bitcoin nor the ATM will protect your money. In fact, no cryptocurrency will. There’s no such thing as a government Bitcoin account or digital wallet,” the FTC emphasized, urging consumers to remain vigilant.

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Bitcoin Depot Responds

Bitcoin Depot, a leading operator of Bitcoin ATMs, responded to the FTC’s warning in an interview. The company underscored its commitment to consumer protection, noting that all its kiosks display scam warnings and include screen prompts to alert users to potential fraudulent activities.

Bitcoin Depot also provides security tips to users, advising them never to send Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency to digital wallets or individuals they do not personally know and trust.

Regulatory Efforts

In addition to warnings from the FTC, there are also efforts at the local government level to regulate Bitcoin ATMs more strictly. On August 7, a government committee in Chico, California, discussed the possibility of regulating Bitcoin ATMs to treat them more like traditional banks. Andy Pickett, Chief Administrative Officer at the County of Butte, highlighted the complexities of this effort, noting that any such regulations would likely face legal challenges.

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Amid these developments, the global Bitcoin ATM network has seen some contraction, with 435 active machines being switched off in June 2024, as TheCoinRise reported. As the use of Bitcoin ATMs grows, so does the need for stronger safeguards to protect consumers from the ever-evolving tactics of fraudsters.