North Shore Warning: Bitcoin Scams On The Rise

DANVERS, MA — North Shore residents are being urged to use caution whenever being asked to use cryptocurrency ATMs to pay for outstanding bills or services.

Danvers police said the town and other surrounding communities have seen an increase in the scams and issued the warning in collaboration with local business owners who offer Bitcoin ATM access.

"We are urging those utilizing the machines to be aware of potential scams," Danvers police said. "If you believe that you have been the victim of one of these scams, please contact your local police department to file a report."

Residents are encouraged to be especially cautious when contacted — especially if unsolicited — to use Bitcoin to pay to clear an arrest warrant in their name (which may or may not actually exist), pay for outstanding utility bills, give money to a romance partner they have never met in person or known little about, pay to secure a compromised bank account, pay in response to a computer message or email or pay to help a grandchild or younger relative purported to be in jail or in danger in some way.

Residents are reminded that government agencies do not accept Bitcoin for payment of any debts or services.

Residents are reminded to always check with their bank to make sure a payment request is legitimate before transferring funds.

Bitcoin transactions are final and those making erroneous payments will not get their money back.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)