Cheyenne police issue warning about Bitcoin ATM phone scam
September 10, 2025
The Cheyenne Police Department has issued a caution to residents regarding a phone scam involving Bitcoin ATMs. Scammers are posing as representatives of reputable organizations to defraud unsuspecting individuals. While this type of scam is widespread across the country, there has been a noticeable uptick in reported incidents in Cheyenne. Between January 1, 2024, and August 27, 2025, the CPD has received over 50 reports of victims falling prey to Bitcoin ATM scams, resulting in a collective loss of $645,960.
Bitcoin ATMs are self-service kiosks that enable users to buy or transfer cryptocurrency using cash or cards, without the need for a conventional bank account. These machines are often found in high-traffic locations like convenience stores and gas stations.
The scammers typically contact individuals over the phone, masquerading as officials from governmental entities, law enforcement agencies, or financial institutions. They capitalize on creating a sense of urgency, claiming that immediate action is essential to avoid penalties or legal ramifications. The victims are coerced into withdrawing cash from their bank accounts and depositing it into a Bitcoin ATM controlled by the scammers. Once the funds are transferred, they are exceedingly challenging to trace due to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency transactions, making it difficult for law enforcement to recover the stolen money or identify the perpetrators.
Bitcoin phone scams exhibit common characteristics that can help potential victims recognize and avoid falling for such schemes. These include creating artificial urgency to force quick action, maintaining continuous contact on the phone throughout the entire process, and adopting impersonation tactics to gain credibility and trust from the victim.
To protect oneself from falling victim to these scams, individuals are advised to refrain from acting on unexpected calls or texts, validate the legitimacy of the caller by contacting the corresponding agency directly through a verified phone number, and not to rush into making any financial transactions without careful consideration. Additionally, sharing information about warning signs of scams, especially among older adults who are often targeted, can help prevent further incidents.
In the event that someone suspects they have been targeted by a Bitcoin phone scam, they should report the incident promptly and contact the dispatch center at (307) 637-6525. It is crucial to remain vigilant and cautious when dealing with unsolicited calls or messages requesting urgent financial actions to safeguard against falling victim to fraudulent schemes.