🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 130 (from laksa024)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa130.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2024\/09\/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money","crawl_time":1776870680,"first_indexed_time":1725391012,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"gov,ftc!consumer,\/consumer-alerts\/2024\/09\/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money s443","src_root_hash":"5486463561478463730","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Scammers use Bitcoin ATMs to steal your money | Consumer Advice","meta_descriptions":["Most of us use ATMs pretty often to withdraw cash. But Bitcoin ATMs (or BTMs) are a different beast. Increasingly located in convenience or grocery stores, gas stations, and other places, they’re a way to buy or send cryptocurrency. Only scammers are now using BTMs to steal your money. A new FTC Data Spotlight explains how people are losing millions to fraud at BTMs — and how to protect yourself and the people you care about."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Most of us use ATMs pretty often to withdraw cash. But Bitcoin ATMs (or BTMs) are a different beast. Increasingly located in convenience or grocery stores, gas stations, and other places, they’re a way to buy or send cryptocurrency. Only scammers are now using BTMs to steal your money. A\nnew FTC Data Spotlight\nexplains how people are losing millions to fraud at BTMs — and how to protect yourself and the people you care about.\nMany of these scams start with a call or message about something supposedly wrong: they might say there’s suspicious activity on your Amazon account, for example, or unauthorized charges on your bank account. (Untrue.) The caller will say your money is at risk, or even that you’re somehow linked to money laundering or drug smuggling, but they can help. (Also false.) They tell you to withdraw cash from your bank, investment, or retirement accounts and \ndeposit it into a specific BTM\n. This, they say, will protect your money or fix the alleged problem. But it’s all a lie. Once you deposit the cash, it goes straight into the scammer’s wallet.\nTo avoid this scam:\nDon’t believe anyone who says you need to use a Bitcoin ATM to protect your money or fix a problem.\nReal businesses and government agencies will never do that — anyone who does is a scammer.\nNever withdraw cash in response to an unexpected call or message.\nOnly scammers will tell you to do that.\nVerify the story.\nIf you think there’s a real problem with one of your accounts, use a phone number, website, or app you know is real to contact your bank, investment, or retirement company. Don’t use contact information in the unexpected call or message you got. That will only take you back to the scammer.\nReport the scam.\n Go to \nReportFraud.ftc.gov\n.\nCheck out \nHow To Avoid Imposter Scams\n for more advice.\nScams","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2024\/09\/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money#main-content)\n\n![U.S. flag](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/themes\/custom\/ftc_uswds\/uswds\/dist\/img\/us_flag_small.png)\n\nAn official website of the United States government\n\nHere’s how you know\n\nHere's how you know\n\n![Dot gov](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/themes\/custom\/ftc_uswds\/uswds\/dist\/img\/icon-dot-gov.svg)\n\n**The .gov means it’s official.**   \n Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.\n\n![Https](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/themes\/custom\/ftc_uswds\/uswds\/dist\/img\/icon-https.svg)\n\n**The site is secure.**   \n The **https:\/\/** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.\n\n- [Español](https:\/\/consumidor.ftc.gov\/)\n\n- [Report Fraud](https:\/\/reportfraud.ftc.gov\/)\n- [Read Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts)\n- [Get Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/public.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/USFTCCONSUMER\/subscriber\/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8)\n- [Visit ftc.gov](https:\/\/ftc.gov\/)\n\nMenu\n\n![close](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/themes\/custom\/ftc_uswds\/uswds\/dist\/img\/close.svg)\n\n## CFG: Main Menu Mega\n- Show\/hide Shopping and Donating menu items\n  ## Shopping and Donating\n  Make smart shopping decisions, know your rights, and solve problems when you shop or donate to charity.\n  \n  [View Shopping and Donating](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating)\n  ## Video\n  \n  ## Topics\n  ## Topics\n  - [Shopping](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/shopping)\n  - [For the Home](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/for-the-home)\n  - [Health](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/health)\n  - [Funerals](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/funerals)\n  - [Buying and Owning a Car](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/buying-and-owning-car)\n  - [Donating to Charity](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/donating-charity)\n  \n  ## Consumer Alerts\n  ### [How to make your World Cup experience scam free](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2026\/03\/how-make-your-world-cup-experience-scam-free)\n  March 17, 2026\n  \n  BCP Staff\n  \n  Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as the United States, Mexico, and Canada get ready to welcome thousands of fans for one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet — the FIFA World Cup! While die-hard fans are preparing to support their countrymen, scammers are looking to take advantage of the rush for tickets. Learn how to make your World Cup experience scam free.\n  \n  [View all Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts)\n  \n  [Get Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/public.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/USFTCCONSUMER\/subscriber\/qualify)\n- Show\/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items\n  ## Credit, Loans, and Debt\n  Learn about getting and using credit, borrowing money, and managing debt.\n  \n  [View Credit, Loans, and Debt](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/credit-loans-and-debt)\n  ## Video\n  \n  ## Topics\n  ## Topics\n  - [Credit and Debt](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/credit-loans-and-debt\/credit-and-debt)\n  - [Loans and Mortgages](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/credit-loans-and-debt\/loans-and-mortgages)\n  \n  ## Consumer Alerts\n  ### [Say “no, thanks” to unexpected offers to lower your credit card interest rate](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2026\/04\/say-no-thanks-unexpected-offers-lower-your-credit-card-interest-rate)\n  April 22, 2026\n  \n  BCP Staff\n  \n  If a company calls you unexpectedly and offers to help lower your credit card interest rate, say “no, thanks.” It’s probably a scammer hoping you’ll pay them for shortcuts that don’t really exist. Here’s how to spot and avoid scams that promise to help lower your credit card interest rate.\n  \n  [View all Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts)\n  \n  [Get Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/public.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/USFTCCONSUMER\/subscriber\/qualify)\n- Show\/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items\n  ## Jobs and Making Money\n  What to know when you're looking for a job or more education, or considering a money-making opportunity or investment.\n  \n  [View Jobs and Making Money](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/jobs-and-making-money)\n  ## Video\n  \n  ## Topics\n  ## Topics\n  - [Money-Making Opportunities and Investments](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/jobs-and-making-money\/money-making-opportunities-and-investments)\n  - [Jobs](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/jobs-and-making-money\/jobs)\n  - [Education and Training](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/jobs-and-making-money\/education-and-training)\n  \n  ## Consumer Alerts\n  ### [With people losing big to investment scams, learn how to spot and avoid them](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2026\/04\/people-losing-big-investment-scams-learn-how-spot-and-avoid-them)\n  April 16, 2026\n  \n  BCP Staff\n  \n  You might be interested in making money through investments. Who isn’t? So offers that promise big returns might draw your attention…and scammers know this. They use those promises and clever schemes to lure you in and, unfortunately, people are losing big money on investment scams. In fact, FTC data shows reports of more than \\$7.9 billion in losses to investment scams, with a median individual loss of more than \\$10,000 in 2025. Do you know how to spot and avoid investment scams?\n  \n  [View all Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts)\n  \n  [Get Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/public.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/USFTCCONSUMER\/subscriber\/qualify)\n- Show\/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items\n  ## Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts\n  What to do about unwanted calls, emails, and text messages that can be annoying, might be illegal, and are probably scams.\n  \n  [View Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts)\n  ## Video\n  \n  ## Topics\n  ## Topics\n  - [Unwanted Calls](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts\/unwanted-calls)\n  - [Unwanted Emails, Texts, and Mail](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts\/unwanted-emails-texts-and-mail)\n  \n  ## Consumer Alerts\n  ### [That text about a traffic violation is probably a scam](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2026\/04\/text-about-traffic-violation-probably-scam)\n  April 14, 2026\n  \n  BCP Staff\n  \n  Did you get a text with a picture of what looks like an official notice of a traffic hearing? You’re not alone. The FTC has seen a spike in reports about this text scam in the last month. It’s just the latest story of how scammers are trying to separate people from their money. Here’s how this scam works — and how to avoid it.\n  \n  [View all Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts)\n  \n  [Get Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/public.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/USFTCCONSUMER\/subscriber\/qualify)\n- Show\/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items\n  ## Identity Theft and Online Security\n  How to protect your personal information and privacy, stay safe online, and help your kids do the same.\n  \n  [View Identity Theft and Online Security](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/identity-theft-and-online-security)\n  ## Video\n  \n  ## Topics\n  ## Topics\n  - [Identity Theft](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/identity-theft-and-online-security\/identity-theft)\n  - [Online Privacy and Security](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/identity-theft-and-online-security\/online-privacy-and-security)\n  - [Protecting Kids Online](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/identity-theft-and-online-security\/protecting-kids-online)\n  \n  ## Consumer Alerts\n  ### [Say “no, thanks” to unexpected offers to lower your credit card interest rate](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2026\/04\/say-no-thanks-unexpected-offers-lower-your-credit-card-interest-rate)\n  April 22, 2026\n  \n  BCP Staff\n  \n  If a company calls you unexpectedly and offers to help lower your credit card interest rate, say “no, thanks.” It’s probably a scammer hoping you’ll pay them for shortcuts that don’t really exist. Here’s how to spot and avoid scams that promise to help lower your credit card interest rate.\n  \n  [View all Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts)\n  \n  [Get Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/public.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/USFTCCONSUMER\/subscriber\/qualify)\n- [Scams](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/scams)\n- [Search](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/search)\n  Show\/hide Search menu items\n\n- [Español](https:\/\/consumidor.ftc.gov\/)\n\n- [Report Fraud](https:\/\/reportfraud.ftc.gov\/)\n- [Read Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts)\n- [Get Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/public.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/USFTCCONSUMER\/subscriber\/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8)\n- [Visit ftc.gov](https:\/\/ftc.gov\/)\n\n## CFG: Main Navigation\n- [Shopping and Donating](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-donating)\n  Show\/hide Shopping and Donating menu items\n  - [Shopping](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/shopping)\n  - [For the Home](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/for-the-home)\n  - [Health](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/health)\n  - [Funerals](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/funerals)\n  - [Buying and Owning a Car](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/buying-and-owning-car)\n  - [Donating to Charity](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/shopping-and-donating\/donating-charity)\n- [Credit, Loans, and Debt](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/credit-loans-debt)\n  Show\/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items\n  - [Credit and Debt](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/credit-loans-and-debt\/credit-and-debt)\n  - [Loans and Mortgages](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/credit-loans-and-debt\/loans-and-mortgages)\n- [Jobs and Making Money](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/jobs-making-money)\n  Show\/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items\n  - [Money-Making Opportunities and Investments](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/jobs-and-making-money\/money-making-opportunities-and-investments)\n  - [Jobs](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/jobs-and-making-money\/jobs)\n  - [Education and Training](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/jobs-and-making-money\/education-and-training)\n- [Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/unwanted-calls-emails-texts)\n  Show\/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items\n  - [Unwanted Calls](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts\/unwanted-calls)\n  - [Unwanted Emails, Texts, and Mail](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts\/unwanted-emails-texts-and-mail)\n- [Identity Theft and Online Security](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/identity-theft-online-security)\n  Show\/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items\n  - [Identity Theft](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/identity-theft-and-online-security\/identity-theft)\n  - [Online Privacy and Security](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/identity-theft-and-online-security\/online-privacy-and-security)\n  - [Protecting Kids Online](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/identity-theft-and-online-security\/protecting-kids-online)\n- [Scams](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/scams)\n  Show\/hide Scams menu items\n  - [Gift Card Scams](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/gift-card-scams)\n  - [Government and Business Impersonators](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/government-business-impersonators)\n  - [Phone Scams](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/phone-scams)\n  - [Romance Scams](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/romance-scams)\n  - [Scams Against Immigrants](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/all-scams\/scams-against-immigrants)\n  - [Scams Against Older Adults](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/all-scams\/scams-against-older-adults)\n  - [Scams Against Small Businesses](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/all-scams\/scams-against-small-businesses)\n  - [Wire Transfer Scams](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/all-scams\/wire-transfer-scams)\n\n## Breadcrumb\n1. [Home](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/)\n2. [Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts)\n\n[Vea esta página en español](https:\/\/consumidor.ftc.gov\/alertas-para-consumidores\/2024\/08\/los-estafadores-usan-cajeros-automaticos-de-bitcoin-para-robarte-tu-dinero)\n\nConsumer Alert\n\n# Scammers use Bitcoin ATMs to steal your money\nBy\n\nColleen Tressler\n\nSeptember 3, 2024\n\n[![Facebook](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/themes\/custom\/ftc_uswds\/img\/social-icons\/5296499_fb_facebook_facebook%20logo_icon.png)]()[![Twitter](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/themes\/custom\/ftc_uswds\/img\/social-icons\/x-twitter-black-logo.png)]()[![LinkedIn](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/themes\/custom\/ftc_uswds\/img\/social-icons\/317750_linkedin_icon.png)]()\n\nMost of us use ATMs pretty often to withdraw cash. But Bitcoin ATMs (or BTMs) are a different beast. Increasingly located in convenience or grocery stores, gas stations, and other places, they’re a way to buy or send cryptocurrency. Only scammers are now using BTMs to steal your money. A [new FTC Data Spotlight](https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/news-events\/news\/press-releases\/2024\/09\/new-ftc-data-shows-massive-increase-losses-bitcoin-atm-scams) explains how people are losing millions to fraud at BTMs — and how to protect yourself and the people you care about.\n\nMany of these scams start with a call or message about something supposedly wrong: they might say there’s suspicious activity on your Amazon account, for example, or unauthorized charges on your bank account. (Untrue.) The caller will say your money is at risk, or even that you’re somehow linked to money laundering or drug smuggling, but they can help. (Also false.) They tell you to withdraw cash from your bank, investment, or retirement accounts and [deposit it into a specific BTM](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2024\/03\/did-someone-send-you-bitcoin-atm-its-scam). This, they say, will protect your money or fix the alleged problem. But it’s all a lie. Once you deposit the cash, it goes straight into the scammer’s wallet.\n\nTo avoid this scam:\n\n- **Don’t believe anyone who says you need to use a Bitcoin ATM to protect your money or fix a problem.** Real businesses and government agencies will never do that — anyone who does is a scammer.\n- **Never withdraw cash in response to an unexpected call or message.** Only scammers will tell you to do that.\n- **Verify the story.** If you think there’s a real problem with one of your accounts, use a phone number, website, or app you know is real to contact your bank, investment, or retirement company. Don’t use contact information in the unexpected call or message you got. That will only take you back to the scammer.\n- **Report the scam.** Go to [ReportFraud.ftc.gov](https:\/\/reportfraud.ftc.gov\/).\n- **Check out** [How To Avoid Imposter Scams](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/features\/how-avoid-imposter-scams) for more advice.\n\nScams\n\n[All Scams](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/all-scams)\n\n[Business Impersonators](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/business-impersonators)\n\n[FTC Impersonators](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/ftc-impersonators)\n\n[Government Impersonators](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/government-impersonators)\n\nComments closed.\n\n**Beverly Kitts**\n\nSeptember 04, 2024\n\nat my age I hope we will still have our regular dollar bills or as is said US currency! A lot of older people did not go pass 3rd grade They help raised their siblings so Mom could go to work second shift. Some did go to high school but did not graduate. They did not understand most subjects. Only use to AMERICAS CURRENCY THE US dollar and change Can you answer this ?\n\n**Thomas L**\n\nSeptember 05, 2024\n\nIn reply to [at my age I hope we will…](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/comment\/206060#comment-206060) by Beverly Kitts\n\nThe US Dollar will be around a long time as the official United States currency. If you are concerned that an ATM might not be a bank ATM but might be a BTM, then I would only use those ATMs that are inside of or attached to a real bank.\n\n**Patricia Bryk**\n\nSeptember 03, 2024\n\nThank You for the update\n\n**Lorna Herlache**\n\nSeptember 03, 2024\n\nThis happened to me in March! But I never deposited any cash in a bitcoin machine! I, did withdraw money from my bank account to a tune if \\$10,000 , but went back to my bank and redeposited into a new account! Won’t do that ever again! Those guys on the phone thought they were going to wipe me out! Thank God for people like you\\!\n\n**SueAnn Sweatman**\n\nSeptember 03, 2024\n\nMy Father was scammed \\$11,000 because of this scam. It was all of their savings. They were told that he would not get his money back. This is so sad that people are doing this. If he can do something to get his money back, please let me know. He is also a Veteran.\n\n**Rose**\n\nSeptember 04, 2024\n\nIn reply to [My Father was scammed \\$11…](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/comment\/206065#comment-206065) by SueAnn Sweatman\n\nTell copes and give then number they called you.\n\n**Linda A Bailey**\n\nSeptember 04, 2024\n\nHope to hear back some good news, please is there anything I can do at this time?\n\n**Robert E Paulson**\n\nSeptember 04, 2024\n\nThanks for these alerts. I have a distribution list of over 250 retirees and regularly share your emails with them.\n\n**FTC Staff**\n\nSeptember 04, 2024\n\nIn reply to [Thanks for these alerts. I…](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/comment\/206070#comment-206070) by Robert E Paulson\n\nRobert,  \n Thank you for sharing the news to help other people avoid scams. We have articles about scams that affect older adults at [www.ftc.gov\/PassItOn](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/PassItOn). You can forward those articles too, or copy the text into your email. The articles discuss imposter scams, charity scams, grandparent scams, and much more.  \n - FTC Staff\n\n**Tri tran**\n\nSeptember 04, 2024\n\nWho can catch scammers after they trick you to give them money? Ftc fbi interpol who? Will their banks ever catch them and return money to you\n\n**James**\n\nSeptember 04, 2024\n\nThat's good because they've been trying to get me to do that for Less year it ain't going to get so I'm glad I ain't going\n\n**Antonio**\n\nSeptember 05, 2024\n\nAre we able to use the text from these articles to send email newsletters to our customers? Or is there a process that I would need to follow in order to use the information on the FTC website?\n\nThis is really good information that many of our customers could benefit from and help them stay informed about the ever-changing scams and hopefully save them from falling for them.\n\nPlease advise.\n\nTHX\\!\n\n**FTC Staff**\n\nSeptember 05, 2024\n\nIn reply to [Are we able to use the text…](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/comment\/206119#comment-206119) by Antonio\n\n@Antonio,  \n Yes, you're able to share text from these articles and everything on the [www.consumer.ftc.gov](http:\/\/www.consumer.ftc.gov\/) website. All information from the FTC is free to share - you can use the text in your newsletter, forward the message, print out the messages - whatever works for you. Thanks for helping spread the word and help others avoid scams.  \n The information is also in Spanish at [www.consumidor.ftc.gov](http:\/\/www.consumidor.ftc.gov\/).  \n - FTC Staff\n\n**Susan T**\n\nSeptember 06, 2024\n\nI appreciate seeing these articles and learning the information that helps keep us safe and aware. Gratitude for your contribution\\!\n\n**Ingrid Pope**\n\nSeptember 16, 2024\n\nVery valuable information, can The Government close their activity of stealing people money  \n Please talk more often to the Public about Bitcoin scams particular senior citizen, the majority of seniors have no knowledge of Bitcoin, I am a Senior but stay informed thanks to your watchful eye.\n\n**Judith Christensen**\n\nSeptember 16, 2024\n\nThis happened to me. Took me for \\$15,000 as they used AI impersonation to call me & pose as the bank Fraud Investigator. He got into my account & took the money . He called me the next day & convinced me of how the banking system works with the US Fraud investigation process. By using BITcoin currency to snare the criminals: Allegedly before the Asian Banking central bank-like our Federal Reserve opens, the Bitcoin can be converted back to US currency . etc. etc. Then criminals can be traced etc. I was so stunned & desperate to recover my money market that I believed this scam. I have had a terrible year with this loss as I am 84. No easy recovery.\n\n## Recent Consumer Alerts\n[Say “no, thanks” to unexpected offers to lower your credit card interest rate](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2026\/04\/say-no-thanks-unexpected-offers-lower-your-credit-card-interest-rate)\n\nApril 22, 2026\n\n[Did you buy tickets on StubHub between May 12-14 last year?](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2026\/04\/did-you-buy-tickets-stubhub-between-may-12-14-last-year)\n\nApril 20, 2026\n\n[With people losing big to investment scams, learn how to spot and avoid them](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2026\/04\/people-losing-big-investment-scams-learn-how-spot-and-avoid-them)\n\nApril 16, 2026\n\n## Browse by Topic\n[Buying and Owning a Car (47)](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2259%5D=2259&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257)\n\n[Credit and Debt (69)](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2261%5D=2261&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2258%5D=2258)\n\n[Credit, Loans, and Debt (223)](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2258%5D=2258)\n\n[Donating to Charity (34)](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2276%5D=2276&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257)\n\n[Education and Training (39)](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2267%5D=2267&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2266%5D=2266)\n\n[For the Home (55)](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2264%5D=2264&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257)\n\n[Funerals (9)](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2263%5D=2263&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257)\n\n[Health (358)](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2265%5D=2265&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257)\n\n[Identity Theft (129)](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2275%5D=2275&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2256%5D=2256)\n\n[Identity Theft and Online Security (194)](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2256%5D=2256)\n\n## Archive\n[April 2026](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/archive\/202604) (6)\n\n[March 2026](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/archive\/202603) (11)\n\n[February 2026](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/archive\/202602) (8)\n\n[January 2026](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/archive\/202601) (15)\n\n[December 2025](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/archive\/202512) (10)\n\n[More](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/archive)\n\n## Archivo\n[April 2026](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/alertas-para-consumidores\/archivo\/202604) (6)\n\n[March 2026](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/alertas-para-consumidores\/archivo\/202603) (11)\n\n[February 2026](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/alertas-para-consumidores\/archivo\/202602) (8)\n\n[January 2026](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/alertas-para-consumidores\/archivo\/202601) (15)\n\n[December 2025](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/alertas-para-consumidores\/archivo\/202512) (10)\n\n[Más](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/alertas-para-consumidores\/archivo)\n\n[Return to top](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2024\/09\/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money#top)\n\nMenu\n\n## CFG: Footer Menu\n- [Feature Pages](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/features)\n- [Articles](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/articles)\n- [Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/media)\n\n## CFG: Footer Menu Right\n- [Report Fraud](https:\/\/reportfraud.ftc.gov\/)\n- [Get Consumer Alerts](https:\/\/public.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/USFTCCONSUMER\/subscriber\/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8)\n\n## CFG: Footer\n- [ftc.gov](https:\/\/ftc.gov\/)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/about-us)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/contact-us)\n- [Privacy and Notices](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/privacy-policy)\n- [FOIA](https:\/\/ftc.gov\/foia)\n- [Office of Inspector General](https:\/\/ftc.gov\/office-inspector-general)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Most of us use ATMs pretty often to withdraw cash. But Bitcoin ATMs (or BTMs) are a different beast. Increasingly located in convenience or grocery stores, gas stations, and other places, they’re a way to buy or send cryptocurrency. Only scammers are now using BTMs to steal your money. A [new FTC Data Spotlight](https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/news-events\/news\/press-releases\/2024\/09\/new-ftc-data-shows-massive-increase-losses-bitcoin-atm-scams) explains how people are losing millions to fraud at BTMs — and how to protect yourself and the people you care about.\n\nMany of these scams start with a call or message about something supposedly wrong: they might say there’s suspicious activity on your Amazon account, for example, or unauthorized charges on your bank account. (Untrue.) The caller will say your money is at risk, or even that you’re somehow linked to money laundering or drug smuggling, but they can help. (Also false.) They tell you to withdraw cash from your bank, investment, or retirement accounts and [deposit it into a specific BTM](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\/2024\/03\/did-someone-send-you-bitcoin-atm-its-scam). This, they say, will protect your money or fix the alleged problem. But it’s all a lie. Once you deposit the cash, it goes straight into the scammer’s wallet.\n\nTo avoid this scam:\n\n- **Don’t believe anyone who says you need to use a Bitcoin ATM to protect your money or fix a problem.** Real businesses and government agencies will never do that — anyone who does is a scammer.\n- **Never withdraw cash in response to an unexpected call or message.** Only scammers will tell you to do that.\n- **Verify the story.** If you think there’s a real problem with one of your accounts, use a phone number, website, or app you know is real to contact your bank, investment, or retirement company. Don’t use contact information in the unexpected call or message you got. That will only take you back to the scammer.\n- **Report the scam.** Go to [ReportFraud.ftc.gov](https:\/\/reportfraud.ftc.gov\/).\n- **Check out** [How To Avoid Imposter Scams](https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/features\/how-avoid-imposter-scams) for more advice.\n\nScams","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Finance\":932,\"\/Finance\/Banking\":560,\"\/Law_and_Government\":399,\"\/Law_and_Government\/Legal\":274,\"\/Finance\/Banking\/Other\":181,\"\/Law_and_Government\/Legal\/Other\":126}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":995,\"\/Article\/News_Update\":742}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":999}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":1725371580,"attrs_original_publish_time":1725148800,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"2311","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"319","body_ext_links_number":7,"body_int_links_number":114,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":243,"download_ttfb_msec":170,"download_size":176197}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

1 day ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property

Value

URL

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money

Last Crawled

2026-04-22 15:11:20 (1 day ago)

First Indexed

2024-09-03 19:16:52 (1 year ago)

HTTP Status Code

200

Content

Meta Title

Scammers use Bitcoin ATMs to steal your money | Consumer Advice

Meta Description

Meta Canonical

null

Boilerpipe Text

Most of us use ATMs pretty often to withdraw cash. But Bitcoin ATMs (or BTMs) are a different beast. Increasingly located in convenience or grocery stores, gas stations, and other places, they’re a way to buy or send cryptocurrency. Only scammers are now using BTMs to steal your money. A new FTC Data Spotlight explains how people are losing millions to fraud at BTMs — and how to protect yourself and the people you care about. Many of these scams start with a call or message about something supposedly wrong: they might say there’s suspicious activity on your Amazon account, for example, or unauthorized charges on your bank account. (Untrue.) The caller will say your money is at risk, or even that you’re somehow linked to money laundering or drug smuggling, but they can help. (Also false.) They tell you to withdraw cash from your bank, investment, or retirement accounts and deposit it into a specific BTM . This, they say, will protect your money or fix the alleged problem. But it’s all a lie. Once you deposit the cash, it goes straight into the scammer’s wallet. To avoid this scam: Don’t believe anyone who says you need to use a Bitcoin ATM to protect your money or fix a problem. Real businesses and government agencies will never do that — anyone who does is a scammer. Never withdraw cash in response to an unexpected call or message. Only scammers will tell you to do that. Verify the story. If you think there’s a real problem with one of your accounts, use a phone number, website, or app you know is real to contact your bank, investment, or retirement company. Don’t use contact information in the unexpected call or message you got. That will only take you back to the scammer. Report the scam. Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov . Check out How To Avoid Imposter Scams for more advice. Scams

Markdown

[Skip to main content](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money#main-content) ![U.S. flag](https://consumer.ftc.gov/themes/custom/ftc_uswds/uswds/dist/img/us_flag_small.png) An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know Here's how you know ![Dot gov](https://consumer.ftc.gov/themes/custom/ftc_uswds/uswds/dist/img/icon-dot-gov.svg) **The .gov means it’s official.** Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site. ![Https](https://consumer.ftc.gov/themes/custom/ftc_uswds/uswds/dist/img/icon-https.svg) **The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. - [Español](https://consumidor.ftc.gov/) - [Report Fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [Read Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) - [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8) - [Visit ftc.gov](https://ftc.gov/) Menu ![close](https://consumer.ftc.gov/themes/custom/ftc_uswds/uswds/dist/img/close.svg) ## CFG: Main Menu Mega - Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items ## Shopping and Donating Make smart shopping decisions, know your rights, and solve problems when you shop or donate to charity. [View Shopping and Donating](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Shopping](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/shopping) - [For the Home](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/for-the-home) - [Health](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/health) - [Funerals](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/funerals) - [Buying and Owning a Car](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/buying-and-owning-car) - [Donating to Charity](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/donating-charity) ## Consumer Alerts ### [How to make your World Cup experience scam free](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-make-your-world-cup-experience-scam-free) March 17, 2026 BCP Staff Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as the United States, Mexico, and Canada get ready to welcome thousands of fans for one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet — the FIFA World Cup! While die-hard fans are preparing to support their countrymen, scammers are looking to take advantage of the rush for tickets. Learn how to make your World Cup experience scam free. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items ## Credit, Loans, and Debt Learn about getting and using credit, borrowing money, and managing debt. [View Credit, Loans, and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Credit and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/credit-and-debt) - [Loans and Mortgages](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/loans-and-mortgages) ## Consumer Alerts ### [Say “no, thanks” to unexpected offers to lower your credit card interest rate](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/say-no-thanks-unexpected-offers-lower-your-credit-card-interest-rate) April 22, 2026 BCP Staff If a company calls you unexpectedly and offers to help lower your credit card interest rate, say “no, thanks.” It’s probably a scammer hoping you’ll pay them for shortcuts that don’t really exist. Here’s how to spot and avoid scams that promise to help lower your credit card interest rate. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items ## Jobs and Making Money What to know when you're looking for a job or more education, or considering a money-making opportunity or investment. [View Jobs and Making Money](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Money-Making Opportunities and Investments](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/money-making-opportunities-and-investments) - [Jobs](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/jobs) - [Education and Training](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/education-and-training) ## Consumer Alerts ### [With people losing big to investment scams, learn how to spot and avoid them](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/people-losing-big-investment-scams-learn-how-spot-and-avoid-them) April 16, 2026 BCP Staff You might be interested in making money through investments. Who isn’t? So offers that promise big returns might draw your attention…and scammers know this. They use those promises and clever schemes to lure you in and, unfortunately, people are losing big money on investment scams. In fact, FTC data shows reports of more than \$7.9 billion in losses to investment scams, with a median individual loss of more than \$10,000 in 2025. Do you know how to spot and avoid investment scams? [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items ## Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts What to do about unwanted calls, emails, and text messages that can be annoying, might be illegal, and are probably scams. [View Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Unwanted Calls](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-calls) - [Unwanted Emails, Texts, and Mail](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-emails-texts-and-mail) ## Consumer Alerts ### [That text about a traffic violation is probably a scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/text-about-traffic-violation-probably-scam) April 14, 2026 BCP Staff Did you get a text with a picture of what looks like an official notice of a traffic hearing? You’re not alone. The FTC has seen a spike in reports about this text scam in the last month. It’s just the latest story of how scammers are trying to separate people from their money. Here’s how this scam works — and how to avoid it. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items ## Identity Theft and Online Security How to protect your personal information and privacy, stay safe online, and help your kids do the same. [View Identity Theft and Online Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security) ## Video ## Topics ## Topics - [Identity Theft](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/identity-theft) - [Online Privacy and Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security) - [Protecting Kids Online](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/protecting-kids-online) ## Consumer Alerts ### [Say “no, thanks” to unexpected offers to lower your credit card interest rate](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/say-no-thanks-unexpected-offers-lower-your-credit-card-interest-rate) April 22, 2026 BCP Staff If a company calls you unexpectedly and offers to help lower your credit card interest rate, say “no, thanks.” It’s probably a scammer hoping you’ll pay them for shortcuts that don’t really exist. Here’s how to spot and avoid scams that promise to help lower your credit card interest rate. [View all Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/qualify) - [Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams) - [Search](https://consumer.ftc.gov/search) Show/hide Search menu items - [Español](https://consumidor.ftc.gov/) - [Report Fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [Read Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) - [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8) - [Visit ftc.gov](https://ftc.gov/) ## CFG: Main Navigation - [Shopping and Donating](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-donating) Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items - [Shopping](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/shopping) - [For the Home](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/for-the-home) - [Health](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/health) - [Funerals](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/funerals) - [Buying and Owning a Car](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/buying-and-owning-car) - [Donating to Charity](https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/donating-charity) - [Credit, Loans, and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-debt) Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items - [Credit and Debt](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/credit-and-debt) - [Loans and Mortgages](https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-and-debt/loans-and-mortgages) - [Jobs and Making Money](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-making-money) Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items - [Money-Making Opportunities and Investments](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/money-making-opportunities-and-investments) - [Jobs](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/jobs) - [Education and Training](https://consumer.ftc.gov/jobs-and-making-money/education-and-training) - [Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-texts) Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items - [Unwanted Calls](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-calls) - [Unwanted Emails, Texts, and Mail](https://consumer.ftc.gov/unwanted-calls-emails-and-texts/unwanted-emails-texts-and-mail) - [Identity Theft and Online Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-online-security) Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items - [Identity Theft](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/identity-theft) - [Online Privacy and Security](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security) - [Protecting Kids Online](https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/protecting-kids-online) - [Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams) Show/hide Scams menu items - [Gift Card Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/gift-card-scams) - [Government and Business Impersonators](https://consumer.ftc.gov/government-business-impersonators) - [Phone Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/phone-scams) - [Romance Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/romance-scams) - [Scams Against Immigrants](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/scams-against-immigrants) - [Scams Against Older Adults](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/scams-against-older-adults) - [Scams Against Small Businesses](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/scams-against-small-businesses) - [Wire Transfer Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams/wire-transfer-scams) ## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](https://consumer.ftc.gov/) 2. [Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) [Vea esta página en español](https://consumidor.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/2024/08/los-estafadores-usan-cajeros-automaticos-de-bitcoin-para-robarte-tu-dinero) Consumer Alert # Scammers use Bitcoin ATMs to steal your money By Colleen Tressler September 3, 2024 [![Facebook](https://consumer.ftc.gov/themes/custom/ftc_uswds/img/social-icons/5296499_fb_facebook_facebook%20logo_icon.png)]()[![Twitter](https://consumer.ftc.gov/themes/custom/ftc_uswds/img/social-icons/x-twitter-black-logo.png)]()[![LinkedIn](https://consumer.ftc.gov/themes/custom/ftc_uswds/img/social-icons/317750_linkedin_icon.png)]() Most of us use ATMs pretty often to withdraw cash. But Bitcoin ATMs (or BTMs) are a different beast. Increasingly located in convenience or grocery stores, gas stations, and other places, they’re a way to buy or send cryptocurrency. Only scammers are now using BTMs to steal your money. A [new FTC Data Spotlight](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/09/new-ftc-data-shows-massive-increase-losses-bitcoin-atm-scams) explains how people are losing millions to fraud at BTMs — and how to protect yourself and the people you care about. Many of these scams start with a call or message about something supposedly wrong: they might say there’s suspicious activity on your Amazon account, for example, or unauthorized charges on your bank account. (Untrue.) The caller will say your money is at risk, or even that you’re somehow linked to money laundering or drug smuggling, but they can help. (Also false.) They tell you to withdraw cash from your bank, investment, or retirement accounts and [deposit it into a specific BTM](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/did-someone-send-you-bitcoin-atm-its-scam). This, they say, will protect your money or fix the alleged problem. But it’s all a lie. Once you deposit the cash, it goes straight into the scammer’s wallet. To avoid this scam: - **Don’t believe anyone who says you need to use a Bitcoin ATM to protect your money or fix a problem.** Real businesses and government agencies will never do that — anyone who does is a scammer. - **Never withdraw cash in response to an unexpected call or message.** Only scammers will tell you to do that. - **Verify the story.** If you think there’s a real problem with one of your accounts, use a phone number, website, or app you know is real to contact your bank, investment, or retirement company. Don’t use contact information in the unexpected call or message you got. That will only take you back to the scammer. - **Report the scam.** Go to [ReportFraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/). - **Check out** [How To Avoid Imposter Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-avoid-imposter-scams) for more advice. Scams [All Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/all-scams) [Business Impersonators](https://consumer.ftc.gov/business-impersonators) [FTC Impersonators](https://consumer.ftc.gov/ftc-impersonators) [Government Impersonators](https://consumer.ftc.gov/government-impersonators) Comments closed. **Beverly Kitts** September 04, 2024 at my age I hope we will still have our regular dollar bills or as is said US currency! A lot of older people did not go pass 3rd grade They help raised their siblings so Mom could go to work second shift. Some did go to high school but did not graduate. They did not understand most subjects. Only use to AMERICAS CURRENCY THE US dollar and change Can you answer this ? **Thomas L** September 05, 2024 In reply to [at my age I hope we will…](https://consumer.ftc.gov/comment/206060#comment-206060) by Beverly Kitts The US Dollar will be around a long time as the official United States currency. If you are concerned that an ATM might not be a bank ATM but might be a BTM, then I would only use those ATMs that are inside of or attached to a real bank. **Patricia Bryk** September 03, 2024 Thank You for the update **Lorna Herlache** September 03, 2024 This happened to me in March! But I never deposited any cash in a bitcoin machine! I, did withdraw money from my bank account to a tune if \$10,000 , but went back to my bank and redeposited into a new account! Won’t do that ever again! Those guys on the phone thought they were going to wipe me out! Thank God for people like you\! **SueAnn Sweatman** September 03, 2024 My Father was scammed \$11,000 because of this scam. It was all of their savings. They were told that he would not get his money back. This is so sad that people are doing this. If he can do something to get his money back, please let me know. He is also a Veteran. **Rose** September 04, 2024 In reply to [My Father was scammed \$11…](https://consumer.ftc.gov/comment/206065#comment-206065) by SueAnn Sweatman Tell copes and give then number they called you. **Linda A Bailey** September 04, 2024 Hope to hear back some good news, please is there anything I can do at this time? **Robert E Paulson** September 04, 2024 Thanks for these alerts. I have a distribution list of over 250 retirees and regularly share your emails with them. **FTC Staff** September 04, 2024 In reply to [Thanks for these alerts. I…](https://consumer.ftc.gov/comment/206070#comment-206070) by Robert E Paulson Robert, Thank you for sharing the news to help other people avoid scams. We have articles about scams that affect older adults at [www.ftc.gov/PassItOn](https://consumer.ftc.gov/PassItOn). You can forward those articles too, or copy the text into your email. The articles discuss imposter scams, charity scams, grandparent scams, and much more. - FTC Staff **Tri tran** September 04, 2024 Who can catch scammers after they trick you to give them money? Ftc fbi interpol who? Will their banks ever catch them and return money to you **James** September 04, 2024 That's good because they've been trying to get me to do that for Less year it ain't going to get so I'm glad I ain't going **Antonio** September 05, 2024 Are we able to use the text from these articles to send email newsletters to our customers? Or is there a process that I would need to follow in order to use the information on the FTC website? This is really good information that many of our customers could benefit from and help them stay informed about the ever-changing scams and hopefully save them from falling for them. Please advise. THX\! **FTC Staff** September 05, 2024 In reply to [Are we able to use the text…](https://consumer.ftc.gov/comment/206119#comment-206119) by Antonio @Antonio, Yes, you're able to share text from these articles and everything on the [www.consumer.ftc.gov](http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/) website. All information from the FTC is free to share - you can use the text in your newsletter, forward the message, print out the messages - whatever works for you. Thanks for helping spread the word and help others avoid scams. The information is also in Spanish at [www.consumidor.ftc.gov](http://www.consumidor.ftc.gov/). - FTC Staff **Susan T** September 06, 2024 I appreciate seeing these articles and learning the information that helps keep us safe and aware. Gratitude for your contribution\! **Ingrid Pope** September 16, 2024 Very valuable information, can The Government close their activity of stealing people money Please talk more often to the Public about Bitcoin scams particular senior citizen, the majority of seniors have no knowledge of Bitcoin, I am a Senior but stay informed thanks to your watchful eye. **Judith Christensen** September 16, 2024 This happened to me. Took me for \$15,000 as they used AI impersonation to call me & pose as the bank Fraud Investigator. He got into my account & took the money . He called me the next day & convinced me of how the banking system works with the US Fraud investigation process. By using BITcoin currency to snare the criminals: Allegedly before the Asian Banking central bank-like our Federal Reserve opens, the Bitcoin can be converted back to US currency . etc. etc. Then criminals can be traced etc. I was so stunned & desperate to recover my money market that I believed this scam. I have had a terrible year with this loss as I am 84. No easy recovery. ## Recent Consumer Alerts [Say “no, thanks” to unexpected offers to lower your credit card interest rate](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/say-no-thanks-unexpected-offers-lower-your-credit-card-interest-rate) April 22, 2026 [Did you buy tickets on StubHub between May 12-14 last year?](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/did-you-buy-tickets-stubhub-between-may-12-14-last-year) April 20, 2026 [With people losing big to investment scams, learn how to spot and avoid them](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/people-losing-big-investment-scams-learn-how-spot-and-avoid-them) April 16, 2026 ## Browse by Topic [Buying and Owning a Car (47)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2259%5D=2259&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257) [Credit and Debt (69)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2261%5D=2261&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2258%5D=2258) [Credit, Loans, and Debt (223)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2258%5D=2258) [Donating to Charity (34)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2276%5D=2276&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257) [Education and Training (39)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2267%5D=2267&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2266%5D=2266) [For the Home (55)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2264%5D=2264&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257) [Funerals (9)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2263%5D=2263&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257) [Health (358)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2265%5D=2265&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2257%5D=2257) [Identity Theft (129)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2275%5D=2275&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2256%5D=2256) [Identity Theft and Online Security (194)](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/?search=&field_cfg_topics_target_id%5B2256%5D=2256) ## Archive [April 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive/202604) (6) [March 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive/202603) (11) [February 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive/202602) (8) [January 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive/202601) (15) [December 2025](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive/202512) (10) [More](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/archive) ## Archivo [April 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo/202604) (6) [March 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo/202603) (11) [February 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo/202602) (8) [January 2026](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo/202601) (15) [December 2025](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo/202512) (10) [Más](https://consumer.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/archivo) [Return to top](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money#top) Menu ## CFG: Footer Menu - [Feature Pages](https://consumer.ftc.gov/features) - [Articles](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles) - [Consumer Alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts) - [Videos](https://consumer.ftc.gov/media) ## CFG: Footer Menu Right - [Report Fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) - [Get Consumer Alerts](https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTCCONSUMER/subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTCCONSUMER_8) ## CFG: Footer - [ftc.gov](https://ftc.gov/) - [About Us](https://consumer.ftc.gov/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://consumer.ftc.gov/contact-us) - [Privacy and Notices](https://consumer.ftc.gov/privacy-policy) - [FOIA](https://ftc.gov/foia) - [Office of Inspector General](https://ftc.gov/office-inspector-general)

Readable Markdown

Most of us use ATMs pretty often to withdraw cash. But Bitcoin ATMs (or BTMs) are a different beast. Increasingly located in convenience or grocery stores, gas stations, and other places, they’re a way to buy or send cryptocurrency. Only scammers are now using BTMs to steal your money. A [new FTC Data Spotlight](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/09/new-ftc-data-shows-massive-increase-losses-bitcoin-atm-scams) explains how people are losing millions to fraud at BTMs — and how to protect yourself and the people you care about. Many of these scams start with a call or message about something supposedly wrong: they might say there’s suspicious activity on your Amazon account, for example, or unauthorized charges on your bank account. (Untrue.) The caller will say your money is at risk, or even that you’re somehow linked to money laundering or drug smuggling, but they can help. (Also false.) They tell you to withdraw cash from your bank, investment, or retirement accounts and [deposit it into a specific BTM](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/did-someone-send-you-bitcoin-atm-its-scam). This, they say, will protect your money or fix the alleged problem. But it’s all a lie. Once you deposit the cash, it goes straight into the scammer’s wallet. To avoid this scam: - **Don’t believe anyone who says you need to use a Bitcoin ATM to protect your money or fix a problem.** Real businesses and government agencies will never do that — anyone who does is a scammer. - **Never withdraw cash in response to an unexpected call or message.** Only scammers will tell you to do that. - **Verify the story.** If you think there’s a real problem with one of your accounts, use a phone number, website, or app you know is real to contact your bank, investment, or retirement company. Don’t use contact information in the unexpected call or message you got. That will only take you back to the scammer. - **Report the scam.** Go to [ReportFraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/). - **Check out** [How To Avoid Imposter Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/how-avoid-imposter-scams) for more advice. Scams

ML Classification

ML Categories

/Finance		93.2%
/Finance/Banking		56.0%
/Law_and_Government		39.9%
/Law_and_Government/Legal		27.4%
/Finance/Banking/Other		18.1%
/Law_and_Government/Legal/Other		12.6%

Raw JSON

{
    "/Finance": 932,
    "/Finance/Banking": 560,
    "/Law_and_Government": 399,
    "/Law_and_Government/Legal": 274,
    "/Finance/Banking/Other": 181,
    "/Law_and_Government/Legal/Other": 126
}

ML Page Types

/Article		99.5%
/Article/News_Update		74.2%

Raw JSON

{
    "/Article": 995,
    "/Article/News_Update": 742
}

ML Intent Types

Informational

99.9%

Raw JSON

{
    "Informational": 999
}

Content Metadata

Language

Author

null

Publish Time

2024-09-03 13:53:00 (1 year ago)

Original Publish Time

2024-09-01 00:00:00 (1 year ago)

Republished

Word Count (Total)

2,311

Word Count (Content)

319

Links

External Links

Internal Links

114

Technical SEO

Meta Nofollow

Meta Noarchive

JS Rendered

Redirect Target

null

Performance

Download Time (ms)

243

TTFB (ms)

170

Download Size (bytes)

176,197

Shard

130 (laksa)

Root Hash

5486463561478463730

Unparsed URL

gov,ftc!consumer,/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money s443