TLDR
Crypto ATM scams are surging: the FBI logged 13,460 cases costing $389M in 2025, with victims over 60 accounting for $257M. Scammers call out of the blue pretending to be police, tax officers or bank staff, claim your account is...
How it works
Crypto ATM scams are surging: the FBI logged 13,460 cases costing $389M in 2025, with victims over 60 accounting for $257M. Scammers call out of the blue pretending to be police, tax officers or bank staff, claim your account is...
Red flags
- Unsolicited call from a "government official" or "tech support" claiming your money is at risk Instruction to withdraw cash and scan a stranger's QR code at a crypto ATM Caller tells you to stay on the line and not contact family or real authorities
What to do
- 1Hang up and verify any claim through official channels using a number you find yourself Never withdraw cash or use a crypto ATM on a stranger's phone instructions If already at the machine, walk away, then report it to local police and the FTC/IC3
Source
welivesecurity
Source reviewed by Mythos Forensic Team
https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/scams/been-told-pay-bitcoin-atm-read-first/FAQ
Is Been told to pay at a Bitcoin ATM? Read this first a real scam pattern?
Yes. Treat the message, call, or payment request as suspicious until you verify it through an official channel.
What are the first warning signs?
Unsolicited call from a "government official" or "tech support" claiming your money is at risk Instruction to withdraw cash and scan a stranger's QR code at a crypto ATM Caller tells you to stay on the line and not contact family or real authorities
What should I do first?
Hang up and verify any claim through official channels using a number you find yourself Never withdraw cash or use a crypto ATM on a stranger's phone instructions If already at the machine, walk away, then report it to local police and the FTC/IC3
Can LegalAudit check my case?
Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.