Crime & Safety

Bitcoin Scam Hits Braintree: What Residents Should Know

A local resident was targeted for $18,000 in a Bitcoin ATM scam. Another in the area was targeted for $30,000, local police said.

BRAINTREE, MA — A Braintree resident has lost thousands of dollars after being the victim of a Bitcoin ATM scam, police said.

Braintree police said the local resident wasn't the only person targeted in the area, as a person lost $30,000 in a similar scam in Hingham.

"These scammers are very convincing with whatever rouse they’re using on their victims," police said, noting that they often target elderly residents.

Find out what's happening in Braintreefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"If you’re being instructed to withdraw cash, and travel to a bitcoin ATM, to deposit - there is a 1,000% chance you’re being scammed," police said. "Once the cash is deposited, it then goes to a bitcoin wallet where it is nearly impossible to track/recover."

In Hingham, police said a 76-year-old resident fell victim to a scam and lost $30,000. Afterwards, the scammer contacted him a second time, asking for more money, but the resident realized it was a scam. He did not send more money and contacted his bank.

Find out what's happening in Braintreefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.