The state of the island of Australia’s Tasmania has become the latest to join a broad cracking of the country with crypto ATM scammers.
Cyber Police Cyber investigations Says On Friday it found the top 15 users of Crypto ATMs In the state are all victims of scams, with a combined losses of 2.5 million dollars of Australia ($ 1.6 million). More than a third, around $ 592,000, are deposited in crypto ATMs.
The announcement will come just Sunday after the Australian federal police and Australian intelligence agency, Austral, Austral, Austral, Austral, said they are leading A national execution operation to clamp down the criminal use of crypto ATMs.
Victims were forced to use crypto ATMs of scammers
Detective Sergeant Paul Turner of the Tasmanian police said that during the operation, they found in many cases that the victims were directed at crypto ATMs by scammers After regular financial institutions have increased concerns about transactions.
“The victims are manipulated, scared and forced to invest in fake investment and love,” Turner said.
He added that scams are often of high value and can have a “serious and lifelong effect on victims,” such as forcing them to be dependent on pensions, selling possessions or delaying retirement.
“If you are asked to deposit cash in a cryptocurrency ATM by someone you have never met in person, or the offer has a deadline or urgent tone, then probably a scam.”
The latest crackdown is following Austrac Surge of new operating policies and transaction limits For Crypto ATM operators on June 3 to fight the scams. Last December, the The agency also has a crypto As a priority for 2025.
Tasmanian Crypto ATMs on Increasing
The number of ATMs in Tasmania has grown significantly. Turner said that in 2021, there was only one ATM, but that number was from increased to more than 20. Coin ATM Radar Data Showing there are 24 in the state.
Australia is The third largest hub For Bitcoin (BTC) and crypto ATMs, behind the US and Canada, with more than 1,890 ATMs, from 67 in August 2022.
Top Crypto ATMs in Australia Include Localcoin, with 807 in its stable; Coinflip, with 691 ATMs; and Bitcoin Depot, with 212.
Related: Australia to test CBDCs, Stablecoins in the next phase of Crypto play
ATM crackdowns in other countries
Meanwhile, other countries are also trying to hinder the criminal use of crypto ATMs.
On Thursday, New Zealand Crypto ATMs banned and trapped in international cash transfersthat the officials said it was part of an effort to disrupt money laundering and organized financial crime.
In the US city of Spokane, Washington, the City Council announced on June 16 A complete ban on crypto ATMscites concerns with scams using devices. All existing kiosks are removed, and new ones will be locked from place.
Magazine: Rich, isolated, and incredible beaches: Perth Crypto City Guide
