Cryptocurrency Scams Surge in Pima County, Arizona

Cryptocurrency scams are on the rise in Pima County, Arizona, with scammers increasingly targeting individuals through Bitcoin ATMs and impersonating law enforcement officials. The Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) reports that around $93,000 is lost monthly to these scams, which often involve urgent demands for payment to avoid arrest or secure supposed lottery winnings. In response, PCSD has launched the Scam Alert program, placing warning signs on Bitcoin ATMs and other locations to educate and protect potential victims. Similar scams are also reported in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, where scammers impersonate local law enforcement to extort payments. Both regions emphasize that law enforcement will never demand payment via Bitcoin or prepaid cards, and the primary goal is prevention, as once funds are transferred into cryptocurrency, recovery is nearly impossible.