06/11/2026
THESE SCAMS ARE INCREASING
Bitcoin scams rely on the fact that cryptocurrency transactions are immediate, anonymous, and irreversible. Americans lose billions annually to crypto fraud. Common tactics include fake investment platforms, impersonation of tech support or government agencies, romance scams, and job-fee frauds that demand payment via Bitcoin ATMs.
Common Scams to Watch Out For:
• Investment Fraud: Fraudsters promise guaranteed, high returns or use fake AI trading bots. They often ask you to deposit money to unlock fake earnings.
• Imposter Scams: Scammers pretend to be from government agencies (like the IRS or police), Google, or tech support. They create fear by claiming you owe money or that your accounts are frozen, demanding payment in Bitcoin.
• Romance Scams: Con artists build relationships on dating apps or social media, eventually convincing you to send them Bitcoin or follow their fraudulent cryptocurrency "investment" advice.
• Bitcoin ATM (BTM) Scams: Scammers instruct victims to withdraw cash and deposit it directly into physical crypto kiosks by scanning a specific QR code under the guise of "protecting their funds".
How to Protect Yourself:
• Never pay with crypto to avoid trouble: Legitimate businesses, utility companies, or government agencies will never demand you pay a fine or debt in cryptocurrency.
• No guaranteed returns: Anyone offering guaranteed, quick money in crypto markets is operating a scam.
• Verify before you act: If an organization or someone you know asks for money, verify the story by calling a trusted number directly—do not use the contact information provided by the caller or included in an unsolicited message/pop-up.
What to Do If You Are Scammed
Because Bitcoin transactions are practically irreversible, recovering stolen funds is extremely difficult. If you have been targeted:
1. Report the fraud immediately: File a report with local law enforcement and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center via the IC3 Portal.
2. Contact your financial institution: If you wired money or used a bank account to purchase the Bitcoin, notify your bank instantly to freeze accounts or attempt a recall.
3. Report the platform: If the scam happened on a specific app, website, or exchange, report the fraudulent activity to the website being used.