Bitcoin ATM scam
Scammers posing as government agents, bank staff, or tech support tell people to withdraw cash and feed it into a Bitcoin ATM, scanning a QR code they send. The money goes straight to the scammer.
How this scam works
Crypto sent through these machines is almost impossible to trace or get back. Scammers stay on the phone to coach you through each step.
Common versions of the message
- A threat to your savings
- A large cash withdrawal
- A Bitcoin ATM and a QR code
What the message looks like
Text from Officer Reed
To protect your savings from the hackers, withdraw $9,000 in cash today and deposit it at the Bitcoin ATM at the gas station. Scan the QR code I send you. Do not tell the bank teller what the money is for.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Big cash withdrawal: “withdraw $9,000 in cash today”
Real officials never ask you to withdraw cash
No government agency, bank, or company will tell you to withdraw cash to protect it.
- 2
Bitcoin ATM: “deposit it at the Bitcoin ATM”
Money sent this way cannot be recovered
Anyone telling you to use a Bitcoin ATM is a scammer.
- 3
Hide it: “Do not tell the bank teller”
Your bank teller is trained to stop this
Hiding the reason from your bank teller is a huge warning sign. Tellers are trained to stop this.
What to do
- Stop and hang up. Do not withdraw cash.
- Call your bank using the number on your card.
- Tell a family member or friend before doing anything else.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- Contact the Bitcoin ATM operator right away using the number on the machine and keep your receipt.
- Report it at ic3.gov and to your local police.
- Do not pay anyone who offers to get the money back.
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