07/29/2026
SCAM ALERT: Fake "Bitcoin Kiosk" Bail/Fine Payment Scam
There has been a recent rise in scams using flyers and social media graphics designed to look like official law enforcement or court notices, instructing people to pay bail, fines, or restitution using Bitcoin ATMs/kiosks. Don't fall for it.
Here's how to spot it:
They may tell you that you, or a loved one, have a warrant for their arrest or that a loved one is currently incarcerated and that fines must be paid to release the warrant or otherwise resolve the case.
No real government agency accepts bail, fines, or restitution via Bitcoin ATM. Ever. Legitimate courts and law enforcement do not direct you to cryptocurrency kiosks to resolve a case.
Urgency + secrecy. Scammers pressure you to act fast and tell you to stay "confidential" or not discuss it with anyone including family or your bank. Real agencies never ask you to keep payments secret.
Fake official branding. These flyers mimic real seals, badges, and terms like "FDIC insured," "U.S. Treasury," or "Civil Service Commission" to look legitimate. Government agencies don't process payments this way, and cryptocurrency isn't FDIC insured.
Threats of immediate arrest. Scammers use fear "pay now or be arrested" to stop you from thinking it through or calling to verify.
Requests for a "trust account ID," QR code, or PIN tied to a Bitcoin kiosk deposit are not real court or bond procedures.
What to do:
Hang up / stop responding.
Never send cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency based on a call, text, or flyer.
Call your local police department or courthouse directly using a number you look up yourself not one provided by the caller or flyer.
Report it to local law enforcement and the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov).
If you or someone you know has already sent money this way, contact your local police department immediately. The faster it's reported, the better the chance of tracing the funds.
