EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Cryptocurrency kiosks that look like traditional ATMs are increasingly being used in scams, prompting El Paso City Council to consider new warning requirements for machines across the city.<\/p>\n
The FBI says scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs are on the rise. <\/p>\n
The kiosks allow users to insert cash, convert it into digital currency and send it away within minutes.<\/p>\n
RECCOMENDED: Free Uber voucher program remains inactive after El Paso DA\u2019s Office did not apply<\/a><\/p>\n One El Paso resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they were pressured toward a cryptocurrency kiosk as part of what began as an online job opportunity.<\/p>\n Over time, the person said the situation escalated into requests for money through Cash App and gift cards before they were eventually directed to a kiosk.<\/p>\n \u201cYou see the money going in, but you don’t know where it went or who it went to,\u201d the person said.<\/p>\n The person described being guided through the process by the scammer. <\/p>\n \u201cHow do you use that? Oh, I’ll give you, you know, whatever number it is that you have to put in. So it’ll go to that account,\u201d the person said.<\/p>\n The FBI says the machines are being used to steal money from victims. <\/p>\n According to the FBI, more than 13,400 cases involving the kiosks were reported across the country last year, resulting in $388 million being lost.<\/p>\n In Texas, almost 1,200 cases were reported to the FBI, the second-highest total of any state. <\/p>\n The FBI said those cases resulted in more than $56 million being lost, the most of any state.<\/p>\n The full report for all states can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n The El Paso resident said embarrassment can keep victims from reporting what happened.<\/p>\n \u201cI had said I was never going to share this story with anyone,\u201d the person said. \u201cThey count on people being embarrassed to come forward and do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n Now, El Paso City Council is looking at possible changes. <\/p>\n An item from City Rep. Chris Canales would direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance requiring physical and digital warnings on the machines. <\/p>\n FULL AGENDA ITEM<\/p>\n The proposal also includes punishments for businesses that do not add the warnings.<\/p>\n \u201cI think, a label there definitely would help,\u201d the resident said.<\/p>\n The person said they are still dealing with the financial impact. <\/p>\n \u201cTo this day, Mark, I’m still behind one month on my mortgage. I still don’t have a vehicle,\u201d the person said.<\/p>\n The item is expected to be discussed during City Council\u2019s next meeting. <\/p>\n Canales did not respond in time for this report.<\/p>\n RECCOMENDED: Report: Dozens allege abuse and medical neglect at Camp East Montana<\/a><\/p>\n