TLDR
Caller (claiming IRS/DEA/FBI/utility/police) tells victim there's an arrest warrant or unpaid debt + only payment via Bitcoin ATM avoids arrest. Victim deposits cash at Coin Cloud/Bitstop/RockItCoin and BTC sent to attacker QR. FBI 2024:...
How it works
Caller (claiming IRS/DEA/FBI/utility/police) tells victim there's an arrest warrant or unpaid debt + only payment via Bitcoin ATM avoids arrest. Victim deposits cash at Coin Cloud/Bitstop/RockItCoin and BTC sent to attacker QR. FBI 2024:...
Red flags
- Urgent pressure to click, pay, or share codes immediately.
- A link or sender that does not match the official organization.
- Requests for card data, passwords, OTPs, wallet signatures, or bank transfers.
What to do
- 1Do not click, pay, install apps, or share verification codes.
- 2Verify through the official website, app, or phone number typed manually.
- 3If you already interacted, block cards or accounts and report the incident.
Source
Coinbase-Security
Source reviewed by Mythos Forensic Team
https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/privacy-and-security/avoid-scams/cryptocurrency-and-bitcoin-atm-scamsFAQ
Is Bitcoin ATM scam — coercion via fake gov / police call 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?
Urgent pressure to click, pay, or share codes immediately.; A link or sender that does not match the official organization.; Requests for card data, passwords, OTPs, wallet signatures, or bank transfers.
What should I do first?
Do not click, pay, install apps, or share verification codes.; Verify through the official website, app, or phone number typed manually.; If you already interacted, block cards or accounts and report the incident.
Can LegalAudit check my case?
Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.