Cheyenne Police warn citizens of phone scam involving Bitcoin ATMs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Cheyenne Police Department recently released a warning to the public about phone scams involving Bitcoin ATMs.

That’s according to a release from the Cheyenne PD, which states that scammers are impersonating representatives of trusted organizations in order to steal money from unsuspecting victims.

The release states that the scam is happening nationwide, but that officers are seeing an increase in reports in Cheyenne. According to the release, from Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 27, 2025, the CPD has received over 50 cases involving Bitcoin ATM scams.

The release notes that victims have collectively lost $645,960 to date because of the scam.

According to the release, Bitcoin ATMs are kiosks that allow users to purchase or send cryptocurrency by inserting cash or using a card, instead of having and utilizing a traditional bank account. Bitcoin ATM machines are usually found in convenience stores, gas stations and other high-traffic locations.

“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,” the release states. “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.”

As soon as funds are transferred to the scammer’s cryptocurrency wallet, they become extremely hard to trace. Because cryptocurrency transactions are decentralized and are not tied to personal identities, law enforcement officials face significant challenges in recovering stolen funds or even in identifying the scammer.

“This is a major reason why scammers rely on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for their schemes,” the release states.

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 other agency to gain credibility.

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 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.