• Bitcoin scams are rising in Pima County, with fraudsters using Bitcoin ATMs to steal money from elderly victims through government impersonation schemes.
• Bitcoin transactions make it difficult to recover stolen funds as scammers rapidly move money across multiple accounts, leaving victims with significant financial losses.

Cryptocurrency scams are running rampant in Pima County, with fraudsters setting their sights on elderly residents. Scammers are exploiting Bitcoin ATMs to steal thousands of dollars from unsuspecting victims, making it nearly impossible to trace or recover the stolen funds.

How the Scam Works

According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD), con artists—often from overseas—are impersonating government officials and preying on the elderly. These scammers make fraudulent phone calls, claiming to be law enforcement officers and warning victims that they have missed jury duty or have a warrant for their arrest.

“The best way to prevent you from going to jail is to just pay the bond in advance,” they falsely claim, coercing victims into withdrawing large sums of cash and depositing it into a Bitcoin ATM.

Once the cash is deposited, the machine converts it into cryptocurrency, which is then transferred through multiple accounts at lightning speed, making recovery extremely difficult.

Why Seniors Are Being Targeted

PCSD Financial Crimes Detective Michael Wilson explained that scammers specifically target the elderly because they often have a steady income and tend to be more trusting.

“They have a steady income, and unfortunately, they are a little more trusting,” Wilson noted, adding that victims have lost thousands of dollars in just a single transaction.

Authorities Fight Back

Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to stop these scams, but as cryptocurrency technology evolves, it’s becoming increasingly challenging. The PCSD has taken preventive measures, including placing warning signs on Bitcoin ATMs to alert potential victims before they make a costly mistake.

“Having these alerts right where they’re making deposits can sometimes be the difference between them losing money and safeguarding themselves,” Wilson emphasized.

How to Protect Yourself

• Be Skeptical: Government agencies will never demand payments via Bitcoin or cryptocurrency.
• Verify Calls: If someone claims to be law enforcement, hang up and contact the agency directly.
• Warn Loved Ones: Educate elderly family members about these scams.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Contact local authorities if you or someone you know has been targeted.

Scammers are relentless, but awareness and vigilance can prevent financial devastation. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately—don’t become the next victim in this growing crypto crime wave.