Security

Kenosha, Wisconsin police warn of bitcoin ATM scam

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February 9, 2024

Police in Kenosha, Wisconsin have warned the public of a bitcoin ATM scam that is currently impacting the community. Scammers send texts to victims telling them their identities had been stolen and they need to transfer money to a federal box to prevent their bank accounts from being frozen. From there, the scammers tell victims to deposit cash into a bitcoin ATM, according to a report by Kenosha News.

Although many bitcoin ATMs do provide warnings of potential fraud, the scammers either tell the victims to ignore the warnings or use bitcoin ATMs that do not provide these warnings.

"Although the scammers coach people not to contact friends, family or the police, we urge citizens to reach out before it is too late, and for family members of elderly citizens to have conversations that encourage loved ones to call someone if they believe something is wrong," the police department said in a statement.

It recommends victims of fraud to contact the Kenosha Police Department Fraud Unit at 262-605-5203.