Tilton Police Warn of Bitcoin ATM Scams After Residents Lose Thousands

Tilton police warn residents after multiple scams at a local bitcoin ATM left victims thousands down. Learn how to spot, avoid, and report bitcoin fraud.

Tilton police are warning residents after several people in town lost thousands of dollars at the same bitcoin machine. The incidents, tied to a local bitcoin ATM, highlight growing cryptocurrency scams and the need for caution when using digital-currency kiosks.

What happened in Tilton
According to police, multiple victims were targeted at the same bitcoin machine and persuaded to transfer large amounts of money. Because cryptocurrency transactions are usually irreversible, victims were unable to recover the funds. The Tilton police warning aims to raise awareness about bitcoin scams and help residents avoid becoming targets of similar fraud.

Common bitcoin scam tactics
Scammers use a range of techniques at bitcoin ATMs and online: fake tech support, impersonating government officials, job-offer or rental scams, and urgent requests to pay fees or taxes in bitcoin. At an ATM, a scammer may pressure a victim to scan a QR code, share a wallet address, or complete a cash-to-crypto transaction immediately. These red flags—pressure, secrecy, and demands for immediate crypto payments—are signs of fraud.

How to protect yourself
Never send cryptocurrency to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. If asked to use a bitcoin machine or bitcoin ATM by a caller or online contact, pause and verify their identity independently. Bring a friend to the kiosk when possible, keep receipts, and double-check wallet addresses before confirming a transaction. Remember that legitimate institutions do not demand payment in bitcoin for taxes, fees, or to unlock accounts.

What to do if you’re targeted
If you suspect a bitcoin scam at an ATM or online, stop the transaction immediately and contact Tilton police. Preserve any receipts, screenshots, or messages and report them to local law enforcement and your bank. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and consumer protection agencies. Early reporting increases the chance of tracing fraudulent activity.

Stay informed and cautious
As cryptocurrency adoption grows, so do opportunities for fraud. By recognizing common scam tactics and following simple safety steps at bitcoin machines, Tilton residents can reduce their risk and help police investigate and prevent future incidents.

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