BITCOIN ATM SCAM COSTS VICTIM MORE THAN $120,000; WCSO WARNS VULNERABLE RESIDENTS
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is issuing an urgent warning to all residents regarding a recent scam targeting our senior community: SCAMMERS USE BITCOIN ATMS TO STEAL YOUR MONEY!
A Walton County resident reported over the weekend they had fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme involving unsolicited calls from an individual claiming to represent a bank and instructing the victim to withdraw money and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM.
As a result, the victim sent $129,500 to the suspect and is now seeking to pursue charges.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER 🔑:
DO NOT answer unsolicited calls from anyone claiming to be from a bank – local or national. If you don’t know the number, BLOCK IT or HANG UP. 🚫 📱
NEVER withdraw money or make deposits or payments based on phone instructions.⛔
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency requests are often indicators of a scam. The same goes for gift cards. ⚠️
For the latest information on scams and how to report fraud, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office encourages our residents to:
▪️Visit AARP Florida‘s Fraud Resource Center online at https://states.aarp.org/florida/report-fraud-florida-resources.
▪️Check the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website for updated scam alerts.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Division offers scam and fraud presentations to groups and communities upon request. If you would like to schedule a presentation, please email [email protected].
Remember, staying informed is your best defense against fraud. If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 850-892-8111.