Bitcoin ATM giant forced to cease operations after statewide scam

TL;DR Breakdown

  • Bitcoin of America has faced regulatory action in Connecticut, leading to the suspension of its operations within the state. 
  • The order was enforced following reports of four Connecticut consumers falling victim to a scam involving the mentioned kiosks.
  • As part of the resolution, Bitcoin of America agreed to provide restitution to the affected consumers, totaling $86,000.

Bitcoin of America, a prominent cryptocurrency ATM provider, has faced regulatory action in Connecticut, leading to the suspension of its operations within the state. The Connecticut Department of Banking emphasized that Bitcoin of America failed to acquire the necessary license to operate Bitcoin ATM kiosks, which ultimately led to the consent order. The order was enforced following reports of four Connecticut consumers falling victim to a scam involving the mentioned kiosks, resulting in significant financial losses amounting to tens of thousands of dollars.

As part of the resolution, Bitcoin of America agreed to provide restitution to the affected consumers, totaling $86,000. Additionally, the company is winding down its operations in Connecticut following a criminal indictment. Jorge Perez, the banking commissioner, issued a warning against the usage of unlicensed cryptocurrency kiosks, shedding light on the deceptive practices employed by scammers. Investors are often lured into depositing cash into the kiosks and then transferring an equivalent amount of cryptocurrencies to the fraudsters.

Bitcoin of America requirements

Bitcoin of America, known for facilitating fund transfers to third parties, is required to obtain a license as a money transmitter. Recognizing the need for more comprehensive regulations and consumer safeguards, legislation is currently being pursued in the state legislature to regulate digital currency kiosks as money transmitters in Connecticut. The objective is to enhance oversight and prevent fraudulent activities associated with unlicensed crypto ATMs.

In response to the incident, the Connecticut State Police, the Department of Banking, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Consumer Protection jointly issued a scam alert cautioning individuals against using unlicensed crypto and Bitcoin ATMs. The coordinated effort aims to raise awareness and protect consumers from falling victim to similar scams in the future.

This recent development in Connecticut adds to the challenges faced by the Bitcoin ATM network on a broader scale. The global geopolitical instability, coupled with increased crackdowns on unlicensed operations, has had a negative impact on the overall Bitcoin ATM industry. In March alone, a staggering 3,627 crypto ATMs went offline, marking the largest monthly decline ever recorded in the history of crypto ATMs. This trend highlights the growing need for regulatory measures to address security concerns and establish a safer environment for cryptocurrency transactions.

Disclaimer. The information provided is not trading advice. Cryptopolitan.com holds no liability for any investments made based on the information provided on this page. We strongly recommend independent research and/or consultation with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

文章来源于互联网:Bitcoin ATM giant forced to cease operations after statewide scam

Disclaimers:

1. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and this info is not liable for any losses you may incur.

2. The copyright of this article belongs to the writer, it represents the writer's opinions only, not represents the site's ones. Not financial advice.

Previous 2023年5月25日 11:22
Next 2023年5月25日 12:03

Related articles

  • Turkish Lira hits record low amid interest hike

    TL;DR Breakdown The Turkish Lira has plummeted to a new record low amid the interest hike by the country’s central bank. Economic challenges and the shift in Turkey’s monetary policies. Description The Turkish currency, the lira, has experienced a significant decline against the US dollar, reaching a record low of 25.74 lira per dollar. This drop comes just one day after the country’s central bank raised interest rates by 650 basis points to 15% on June 22. The lira depreciated by over 27% during the first … Read more The Turkish currency, the lira, has experienced a significant decline against the US dollar, reaching a record low of 25.74 lira per dollar. This drop comes just one day after the country’s central bank raised interest rates by 650 basis points to 15% on June 22. The lira depreciated by over 27% during the first half of 2023, reflecting the ongoing economic challenges faced by Turkey. The lira lost 27% since the beginning of 2023 The decision by the central bank to increase interest rates was anticipated as a move away…

    Article 2023年6月28日
  • Hong Kong arrests 7 for money laundering HK$111M, including via crypto

    TL;DR Breakdown Hong Kong authorities reported the apprehension of seven individuals believed to be involved in an operation to launder over HK$111 million, including through crypto. Inspector Li Chi-pang noted that some funds were withdrawn as cash and used for cryptocurrency purchases. Description Hong Kong authorities reported the arrest of seven individuals believed to be involved in an operation to launder over HK$111 million (US$14 million) of suspected illicit funds. This action was part of a larger effort to dismantle a criminal syndicate. Among the detained individuals, two men and five women were allegedly key figures within the … Read more Hong Kong authorities reported the arrest of seven individuals believed to be involved in an operation to launder over HK$111 million (US$14 million) of suspected illicit funds. This action was part of a larger effort to dismantle a criminal syndicate. Among the detained individuals, two men and five women were allegedly key figures within the syndicate, and the police indicated that the individuals held bank accounts to receive and manage funds acquired through fraudulent activities. Hong Kong police discover…

    Article 2023年8月8日
  • Bitcoin Price Analysis: BTC Token Surges to $27,845 as Buying Pressure Increases

    TL;DR Breakdown The Bitcoin price analysis shows a bullish movement at press time. BTC/USD gains value above $27k with an increase of 2.20%. Support for cryptocurrency is present at the $27,192 level. The latest Bitcoin price analysis reveals that the market is gradually climbing higher. The buying pressure on the BTC token has intensified as it surged to $27,845, with a gain of 2.20%. The Buying pressure is likely to increase even further as buyers look to capitalise on the current market momentum. The bull had hit an intraday high of $28,432 earlier today when the buying pressure heightened; however, the token failed to break beyond that level. The next level to watch for BTC will be around $29k as more buyers come into the market expecting further gains. The current support level lies at the $27,192 mark, and if the buying pressure can hold up above that level, then we could see a new all-time high for BTC tokens very soon. Bitcoin price analysis 24-hour chart: BTC struggles to break the $29k resistance The daily chart for Bitcoin price…

    Article 2023年6月1日
  • A worrying yield curve: Is a recession on the horizon for the US economy?

    TL;DR Breakdown The yield curve for US Treasurys is facing inversion, historically seen as an indicator of impending recessions. The Fed’s series of interest rate hikes over the past year have raised concerns among some investors that it could slow down the economy to the point of triggering a recession. Despite the yield curve inversion, the US economy has shown resilience. Description About a year ago, the yield curve for US Treasurys experienced an inversion, meaning that short-term bonds offered higher interest rates than their long-term counterparts. Recently, the gap between two specific bonds reached its widest point since 1981, further deepening this inversion. The yield curve, which had already been inverted, has become even more pronounced … Read more About a year ago, the yield curve for US Treasurys experienced an inversion, meaning that short-term bonds offered higher interest rates than their long-term counterparts. Recently, the gap between two specific bonds reached its widest point since 1981, further deepening this inversion. The yield curve, which had already been inverted, has become even more pronounced in its divergence between short-term…

    Article 2023年9月21日
  • Europe wins the inflation pageant, beating U.S.

    Description While many nations rally to celebrate their achievements, Europe finds itself in the limelight for a rather unwelcome reason. Their persistence with inflation stands out, and not in a way that invites applause. In a contest no country wants to win, Europe seems to be taking the lead, standing out starkly against the U.S. The … Read more While many nations rally to celebrate their achievements, Europe finds itself in the limelight for a rather unwelcome reason. Their persistence with inflation stands out, and not in a way that invites applause. In a contest no country wants to win, Europe seems to be taking the lead, standing out starkly against the U.S. The Transatlantic Tug of War Let’s get something straight – Europe’s inflation issue isn’t just some fleeting, minor inconvenience. It’s a stickier, more tenacious problem, making U.S.’s inflationary concerns look like child’s play in comparison. As the U.S. basks in the comfort of declining consumer price inflation, Europe grapples with a significantly more pronounced rate. It’s interesting, and not in a good way, that while the U.S….

    Article 2023年9月5日
TOP