AG Warns of Cryptocurrency Scams
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging residents to be on guard against cryptocurrency scams through a new statewide consumer awareness campaign.
As part of the effort, warning signs are being posted at Bitcoin and cryptocurrency ATMs across Pennsylvania. The notices encourage users to pause and verify requests before sending money through cryptocurrency kiosks.
According to state officials, scammers frequently pose as government agencies, financial institutions, or law enforcement officers. Others lure victims with fake investment opportunities or use online romance schemes to pressure people into sending cryptocurrency payments.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office says it received nearly 300 cryptocurrency-related complaints last year, highlighting the growing threat of digital currency fraud.
Sunday emphasized that legitimate organizations do not request payments through cryptocurrency ATMs.
"Police, courts, and banks will never demand payment through a cryptocurrency kiosk."
Officials are encouraging anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam to stop sending money immediately and contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office for assistance.
Consumer protection experts say residents should be especially cautious of urgent payment demands, requests to keep transactions secret, and promises of guaranteed investment returns, all of which are common warning signs of fraud.