Crypto ATM Scams in Nevada: Stop Before You Deposit Cash

If an unexpected caller, text or pop-up tells you to withdraw cash and deposit it into a cryptocurrency kiosk, stop. That request is a major warning sign of a scam.

Cryptocurrency kiosks, sometimes called crypto ATMs, bitcoin ATMs, BTMs or virtual currency kiosks, can be used for legitimate transactions. They can also move money quickly to a criminal. AARP is not opposed to cryptocurrency. Our concern is protecting consumers from criminals who misuse these machines.

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How the Scam Works

The story may change, but the pressure is often the same. Someone contacts you unexpectedly and claims there is an urgent problem. The person may pretend to represent a government agency, law enforcement, a bank, a utility company or a technology company. You may be told that your account is at risk, that you owe money or that you must act immediately to protect yourself or someone you care about.

The scammer then directs you to withdraw cash, go to a cryptocurrency kiosk and scan a QR code. That code sends the money to the criminal’s digital wallet. Once the transaction is complete, recovering the money can be extremely difficult.

Pause Before You Pay

Scammers rely on urgency and strong emotion to keep you from checking their story. Slow the situation down before money changes hands.

• Pause. End the call or close the message. Do not stay on the phone while traveling to a bank or kiosk.
• Reflect. Ask whether the contact was unexpected and whether the person is pressuring you to act immediately or keep the situation secret.
• Protect. Verify the claim independently. Use a phone number from an official website, account statement or the back of your bank card. Consider talking with someone you trust before taking action.

Legitimate government agencies and businesses do not ask people to solve an emergency by depositing cash into a cryptocurrency kiosk.

If You Already Deposited Cash

Act quickly, but remember that being targeted is not your fault. Scams are designed to create pressure, confusion and urgency.

• Preserve the receipt, QR code, messages, phone numbers, emails and any other records.
• Report the scam to the appropriate agencies using AARP Nevada’s step-by-step reporting guide: https://www.aarp.org/states/nevada/how-to-report-a-scam-in-nevada/
• Call the free AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 for support and guidance from trained fraud specialists.

AARP Nevada Is Working to Protect Consumers

AARP Nevada is educating consumers about cryptocurrency kiosk scams and supporting practical safeguards that help prevent criminals from stealing people’s hard-earned money. Fighting fraud is a nonpartisan issue. The focus is stopping criminals, supporting people who have been targeted and protecting Nevada consumers.