Scam Prevention Center
Protect your hard-earned money. Learn the warning signs of kiosk scams, imposter fraud, and phishing tactics before you approach any ATM.
Critical Warning: Bitcoin Transactions Are Irreversible
Once cash is inserted into a Cedar BTM and sent to a crypto wallet address, it cannot be refunded or recalled. The money is gone instantly. Cedar BTM cannot reverse these transfers.
Common scammer tactics
1. IRS & Government Agency Imposters
A caller claims to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or FBI. They state that you owe back-taxes, your SSN has been linked to drug trafficking, or your assets are frozen. They instruct you to withdraw cash and deposit it into a 'secure government wallet' at a nearby Bitcoin ATM to clear your name.
2. Utility Bill & Shutoff Threat Scams
You receive an urgent call claiming your local power, heating, or internet service will be terminated within 2 hours due to an unpaid balance. They direct you to pay immediately at a Bitcoin ATM using a QR code they send to your smartphone.
3. Grandchild or Relative in Distress (Bail Scams)
A scammer calls pretending to be your grandchild or a legal defense attorney, stating they were arrested, in a car wreck, or stranded in another country. They plead with you to keep it secret and send cash bail immediately via a local Bitcoin ATM.
4. Sweepstakes, Lottery, or Prize Winners
You are notified that you won a major sweepstakes or cash prize (like Publishers Clearing House). However, before they can release the winnings, they claim you must pay upfront handling fees, customs clearance, or local taxes via a local BTM.
5. Online Marketplace Car & Apartment Deposits
You find a cheap rental listing or a car for sale on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. The seller requests a refundable holding deposit or shipping fee sent via a Bitcoin ATM before you see the vehicle or lease the apartment.
The Cedar BTM safety rules
Four principles to protect yourself before, during, and after any kiosk visit.
Hang Up and Verify
If someone calls claiming to be from a government agency or utility company, hang up. Call their official customer service line found on your statements to check.
Never Pay Strangers
Only send Bitcoin to your own personal wallet. Never buy or send crypto to wallet addresses sent by people you met online or on social platforms.
Ignore Cash Transfer Requests
If a caller instructs you to withdraw physical money from your bank account and drive to a specific Bitcoin kiosk, it is always a scam.
Speak Up at Kiosks
If you are at a Cedar BTM and feel pressured, stop. Hang up the call and read the safety alerts printed directly on our machine frames.