Cheyenne Police Warn Citizens of Phone Scams Involving Bitcoin ATMs

Published on September 09, 2025

The Cheyenne Police Department (CPD) is warning the public about concerning phone scams involving Bitcoin ATMs. Scammers are impersonating representatives of trusted organizations to steal money from unsuspecting victims. While the scams are occurring nationwide, officers are seeing an increase in reports here in Cheyenne. From January 1, 2024, to August 27, 2025, the CPD has received over 50 cases involving Bitcoin ATM scams. Victims have lost approximately $645,960 during this period.

What is a Bitcoin ATM?

Bitcoin ATMs are kiosks that allow users to purchase or send cryptocurrency by inserting cash or using a card, instead of interacting with a traditional bank account. They are typically found in convenience stores, gas stations, and similar high-traffic locations.

How the Scam Works:

In most cases, scammers contact individuals by phone, pretending to be from a legitimate entity such as a government office, law enforcement agency, or a bank. They create a false sense of urgency, telling the victim that immediate action is required to avoid fines, legal trouble, or account problems. The victim is then instructed to withdraw cash from their bank and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM.

Once funds are transferred to the scammer’s cryptocurrency wallet, they become extremely difficult to trace. Because cryptocurrency transactions are decentralized and are not tied to personal identities, law enforcement faces significant challenges in recovering stolen funds or identifying the scammer. This is a major reason why scammers rely on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for their schemes.

How to Identify a Bitcoin Phone Scam:

False urgency: Scammers often create a fake crisis situation, claiming your account is compromised or you need to act immediately to avoid penalties, forcing you to rush into making a Bitcoin deposit.
Continuous phone contact: Scammers frequently keep victims on the phone throughout the entire process to ensure compliance and prevent them from seeking advice from others. This includes staying on the line even while the victim is traveling between locations.
Impersonation tactics: Scammers may pretend to be from a government office, law enforcement agency, bank, or another agency to gain credibility.

Prevention: The CPD offers the following tips to avoid scams -

Never act on unexpected calls or text messages: If you receive a call or text asking you to use a Bitcoin ATM to resolve an issue, always verify the legitimacy of the caller by contacting the agency directly through a known phone number.
Slow down: Scammers create a false sense of urgency to make you act without thinking clearly. Pause and discuss the situation with a friend, family member, or a bank representative before taking any action.
Educate others: Share these warning signs, especially with older adults who are often targeted by imposter scams.
Report suspicious activity: If you believe you have been targeted, report the incident. Contact the dispatch center at (307) 637-6525.