Send this page to someone via email

Police are warning Winnipeggers about a new scam involving bitcoin ATMs.

Posters have been put up on or next to the ATMs, police said, telling users that the machines are undergoing software development and that users should deposit bitcoin by using a QR scan code on the poster.

The posters, however, haven’t been put up by the owners/operators of the bitcoin machines, and following their instructions means users are buying bitcoin with their own money and giving it to someone else.

Police said users should familiarize themselves with how bitcoin and cryptocurrency transactions work before using a bitcoin ATM, and should never pay bills via a bitcoin ATM. Most government agencies, police, utilities, banks and credit unions don’t accept bitcoin as a form of bill payment.

Story continues below advertisement

Bitcoin Scam Warning

The WPS Financial Crime Unit has identified a recent scam in Winnipeg involving bitcoin ATMs. Investigators have confirmed that these posters have not been put up by the owners/operators of the bitcoin machines.

Read more:https://t.co/086COVRfg3 pic.twitter.com/QwYlNEleXm — Winnipeg Police (@wpgpolice) August 29, 2019

WATCH: Tips to avoid bitcoin scams

4:17 Tips to avoid bitcoin scams Tips to avoid bitcoin scams