Fake Jury Duty Scam: Woman Loses $4,900 via Bitcoin ATM Fraud

A woman in Forsyth County, Georgia lost $4,900 after receiving a phone call falsely claiming she missed jury duty and threatening arrest unless she paid via cryptocurrency ATM. The FBI reports over 13,400 complaints related to crypto ATM fraud in 2025, totaling more than $388 million in losses.

How the Scam Works

This fraud combines impersonation of authorities with creation of false urgency and threats, coercing victims to transfer funds via cryptocurrency ATMs. In the Georgia case, scammers falsely claimed the victim failed jury duty and threatened arrest unless immediate payment was made.

The Fraud Process

Impersonation Call: Scammers pose as police or judiciary officials
Threats and Coercion: Victims are threatened with arrest over jury duty evasion, tax violations, or other legal issues
Cryptocurrency ATM Redirection: Victims are instructed to locate and use a cryptocurrency ATM
Fund Transfer: Victims deposit cash, convert it to cryptocurrency, and send it to wallets controlled by scammers
Irreversible Loss: Once transactions are complete, cryptocurrency transfers are virtually untraceable and non-recoverable

Warning Signs

Caller ID Spoofing: Law enforcement does not typically issue arrest threats by phone; displayed phone numbers can be forged
Unusual Payment Methods: Authorities never request payment in cryptocurrency
Artificial Urgency: Scammers create pressure by claiming immediate payment is necessary to avoid arrest
Untraceable Payment Methods: Cryptocurrency transactions and wire transfer instructions are designed to be irreversible

Prevention Tips

Verify Independently: If you receive a call from an authority, hang up and call the official number to verify
Crypto ATM Red Flag: Any caller suggesting cryptocurrency ATM use is fraudulent
Arrest Threats as Warning: Arrest threats via unsolicited calls are classic scam tactics; stay calm and verify through official channels
Seek Advice: Discuss the situation with trusted family members or friends before taking action

Reporting Resources

United States

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): www.ic3.gov
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov
Local law enforcement

Japan

National Police Agency Cybercrime Division
National Consumer Affairs Center: Consumer Hotline (188)

Statistics

According to the FBI, the Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 13,400 complaints related to cryptocurrency ATM fraud in 2025, with total losses exceeding $388 million. While some states have begun victim compensation programs, comprehensive national support remains limited.