Bitcoin ATMs Used for 'Missed Jury Duty' Scam, Massachusetts Police Warn

Two individuals in Massachusetts lost nearly $7,000 to a scam involving Bitcoin ATMs after receiving fictitious phone calls claiming they owed money for missing jury duty. The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office warned residents that they never demand money and urged individuals to report such calls. Victims were misled into believing they would face detention unless they paid immediately, prompting them to transfer funds at nearby kiosks. This incident highlights a broader trend, as reports of scams involving Bitcoin ATMs surged to about $247 million in 2024, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis has called for enhanced regulatory measures surrounding cryptocurrency ATMs to protect vulnerable populations, particularly seniors, from such predatory scams. The rise in these scams has prompted some local jurisdictions to implement stricter regulations on Bitcoin ATMs and protect consumers from fraudulent activities.

Source 🔗