North Carolina Launches Statewide Initiative Against Crypto ATM Scams Targeting Seniors

North Carolina officials, led by Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, have launched a statewide initiative to combat a surge in cryptocurrency ATM scams that disproportionately target senior citizens. These scams involve criminals instructing victims to deposit cash into cryptocurrency ATMs located near convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops, converting the cash into cryptocurrency which is then sent to scammers’ accounts, making recovery of lost funds extremely difficult. Victims often lose life savings exceeding $100,000, with national losses approaching $6 billion annually. The coalition, including AARP, Wilmington Police Department, and United Way NC/NC 211, is focusing on raising awareness among the public and businesses, encouraging vigilance for warning signs such as older adults using crypto ATMs while on the phone or being pressured to pay fines in cryptocurrency. The initiative emphasizes that government agencies do not accept cryptocurrency payments and urges people to report suspicious activity to law enforcement or 211. Law enforcement and businesses are partnering to intervene early and prevent these emotionally manipulative scams, which often involve scammers forming relationships with vulnerable individuals.