What are Cryptocurrency (Crypto) ATMs:

• Crypto ATMs look like regular ATMs and are mostly found in shopping centres, but they can also be found in newsagents, smoke shops, petrol stations and laundromats.
• They're easily accessible, and make fast, irreversible money transfers that bypass traditional banking systems.

How the scam works:

Scammers are asking victims to take money out of their own bank account and then deposit it at these Crypto ATMs – straight into the scammer’s crypto wallet.

Even more concerning is the money laundering some victims are unknowingly engaging in. Victims are groomed over a period of time before being sent money by the scammer and they're told to withdraw the cash and deposit it at a crypto ATM. The person could be told it's to pay for fees and taxes for an "investment" or they're a romance scam victim.

Our advice:

✔️Do not send money to people you have not met in person.

✔️Do not accept money transferred to you by someone you have not met in person.

✔️If someone asks you to buy cryptocurrency for a friend, you might be dealing in proceeds of crime. Only make transactions for yourself.

✔️Australian government agencies, utilities, and agencies that issue fines will never ask you to pay through Crypto ATMs.

✔️If a scammer sends you money - Report this to police immediately and your bank and do not spend that money.

✔️If you think you have been scammed, let us know at by submitting a scam report - there's no shame in reporting to us and we're here to help you.