RnD Computers Launceston

Stay safe out there…
🙅👎😖

Police have contacted more than 15 Tasmanians, including scam victims and suspected money mules, as part of a national crackdown on the criminal use of cryptocurrency ATMs knowns as CATMs ❌👮🏻

As part of the operation, Tasmania Police Cyber Investigations identified no legitimate CATM activity across the top 15 users in the state, with all users found to be involved in scams.

The investigation found the 15 victims had suffered combined losses of $2.5 million – including about $900,000 deposited to cryptocurrency ATMs.

➡️Since 2021, the number of cryptocurrency ATMs in Tasmania increased from one to 20 statewide.

👀❌If you are asked to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency ATM by someone you’ve never met in person, or the offer comes with a high-pressure deadline or urgent tone, then it is likely a scam.

ℹ️ What to do if you’ve been scammed:

➡️Cut all contact with the scammer immediately.
➡️Notify your digital currency exchange provider or bank immediately.
➡️Don’t send any more money.
➡️Report it to police and to Scamwatch.