Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office warns of cryptocurrency phone scam

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam involving virtual currency kiosks, Bitcoin ATMs and similar payment machines.

According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are calling residents and posing as law enforcement, court staff or other officials. They claim there is a warrant, a missed court date or a jailed family member who can be “released” if payment is made immediately. The caller then directs the victim to send money using a cryptocurrency kiosk or Bitcoin ATM.

“These calls are scams,” the sheriff’s office said.

Officials stressed that the Sheriff’s Office does not request fines, fees or bond payments over the phone and does not accept cryptocurrency, virtual currency kiosks, Bitcoin ATMs, gift cards or payment apps of any kind. Scammers may also spoof caller ID to make the number appear official and pressure victims to stay on the line or threaten immediate consequences if they hang up.

Residents who receive such a call are urged to hang up, avoid visiting any kiosk or ATM, and not provide personal information. Instead, they should contact the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office using its official non-emergency number to verify any claims.

The sheriff’s office is asking the public to share this information with family, friends and those who may be vulnerable to high-pressure phone scams.