| 10/23/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
I am filing a notice of fraud that was committed against me through Bitcoin Depot.
An individual purporting to be XXXX XXXX from Corporate Human Resources of XXXX XXXX XXXX reached out to me on XX/XX/2023 and asked if I would be interested in a remote research assistant position with a new organized US subsidiary of XXXX XXXX, to be located in XXXX XXXX. I was then told to contact XXXX XXXX of XXXX XXXX via XXXX. I verified that XXXX was listed on XXXX for XXXX XXXX and then contacted XXXX via XXXX. The individual purporting to be XXXX interviewed me and after completing the interview process, that individual offered me the remote research assistant position with XXXX XXXX.
The individual purporting to be XXXX solicited my personal identifying information ( PII ) subject to US privacy laws my social security number, address and government issued identification ( passport ) in the guise of requesting normal employee onboarding documentation.
XXXX then sent me a check from XXXX XXXX ( see the attachment to this letter ) in the amount of {$4800.00} and requested ( via a Telegram chat, which the individual purporting to be XXXX has since deleted ) that I send back {$4500.00} to XXXX XXXX in Bitcoin ( BTC ) through Bitcoin Depot to a wallet address specified by XXXX. I complied with XXXX instructions and deposited the XXXX XXXX check into my bank account and sent the {$4500.00} in BTC through Bitcoin Depot to the specified wallet address. Attached is a copy of the Bitcoin Depot receipt.
Afterwards, XXXX requested that I make additional payments. At this point, I became suspicious and contacted my bank. My bank froze my account on the basis that the account had been subject to fraud, and my account is under review for possible termination. The check ultimately was not valid, and I was left paying the full amount.
My bank instructed me to contact Bitcoin Depot, which I did at XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX on XX/XX/2023, immediately after speaking with my bank. I contacted the Bitcoin Depot customer service line printed on the receipt and reported the behavior as fraud. The Bitcoin Depot customer service representative placed my account on hold, but refused to provide a refund, claiming that Bitcoin Depot is not responsible for fraud occurring through Bitcoin Depot. The Bitcoin Depot customer service representative stated that he would be able to refund 50 % of the transaction fee ( with Bitcoin Depot keeping the other half, and not providing any help with respect to the rest of my stolen funds ). Despite being pressed, the customer service representative did not offer any other alternatives. I continued to escalate the issue further, citing regulations, but have not been offered any alternatives.
It now appears that this entire transaction was fraudulent. The original check that the individual purporting to be XXXX sent to me was not able to be processed, and as a result I have lost the money. More importantly, I am at risk of identity fraud through the PII that the individual purporting to be XXXX solicited from me, which can have serious repercussions for my future.
A blockchain savvy friend of mine looked at the metadata and other public information for the wallet to which the BTC was sent to. The metadata indicates the wallet is registered under the domain name XXXX with the ultimate registration under the name of XXXX XXXX XXXX It is not clear whether this is an alias for an individual or a group of individuals - there is an actual individual, XXXX XXXX, who is separate ; we believe that his identity was also previously compromised. This is inconsistent with the name under which the individual known as XXXX XXXX interacted with me and from which he requested the BTC be sent, and calls into question whether Bitcoin Depot was actually doing XXXX on its user and the efficacy of that XXXX
Because blockchain data is public, my friend was able to see that the BTC that I sent was moved to a separate wallet, and then a portion of those BTC were transferred onto XXXX. At the bare minimum, Bitcoin Depot should be looking at the movement of BTC into and out of the wallet, particularly in that it is going to XXXX, an exchange that is being sued by the CFTC and SEC.
Furthermore, we have evidence to believe that XXXX XXXX has repeatedly committed similarly fraudulent behavior. The same XXXX XXXX has been brought twice to the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, the global forum for intellectual property, services, and cooperation. ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX and XXXX ). In both cases, the individual XXXX XXXX was found guilty of representing a medical pharmaceutical company under bad faith, impersonating a similar domain name to a legitimate company for fraudulent purposes. The previous company, much like the messages sent by the individual, are centered around medical manufacturing ; thus, we have evidence to believe that the same XXXX XXXX was behind the previous, and current, fraudulent behavior. Bitcoin Depots lack of oversight again speaks to regulations not followed and by extension, supporting fraudulent behavior.
I have taken and are in the process of continuing to take normal steps including reaching out to XXXX XXXX XXXX and to Bitcoin Depot, filing two police reports, filing a report with XXXX, filing a report with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, alerting credit reporting agencies and so on. I are also talking to congressional representatives, including Senator XXXX XXXX and local congressional representatives. In addition, because I was in California at the time all of these activities occurred, I am also reporting these incidents to California state regulatory agencies.
Bitcoin Depot facilitates fraud and scams that deprive innocent Americans of their hard earned money. The individual who reached out to me used Bitcoin Depot precisely for this reason. I have highlighted this to Bitcoin Depot, and how in offering me only a portion of the fees I paid to Bitcoin Depot back ( but none of the rest of the funds that were fraudulently obtained from me, Bitcoin Depot is profiting from the activity.
Bitcoin Depot has XXXX obligations with respect to parties using Bitcoin Depots services. It is hard to see how Bitcoin Depot complied with these XXXX obligations in failing to properly screen the wallet of the individual purporting to be XXXX.
I would appreciate any help you can provide to me in trying to fix the fraud on me. And if you are unable to help me, I would appreciate your investigating Bitcoin Depot and their facilitation of fraud and scams against me and others.
|
| 03/01/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Domestic (US) money transfer
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
Received an email from XXXX on XX/XX/23 for {$500.00} invoice. I called number on email to dispute the item. Gentlemen answered and advised he would look into my XXXX acct. We got disconnected and he called me back from another number XXXX. He proceeded to advise hackers were in my acct laundering {$20.00} XXXX in my savings acct. He also advised XXXX were opened in my name at my bank, sent me screenshot. He instructed me that I had to take the $ XXXX cash out so that the funds can be sourced. He advised I would get reimbursed via bank check which an image and confirmation were sent to me. He said if I didnt act accordingly, IRS and Federal Trade commissions would report my acct. I withdrew the cash and went to 2 Bitcoin ATMs per his instructions. He sent me XXXX XXXX to route funds to. Total of {$17000.00} was deposited. {$100.00} bill went into an ATM but never accounted for. Due to limits on the machines, he then instructed me to go to a store to purchase $ XXXX in gift cards that could be traded for the cash owed. I purchased 4 {$500.00} XXXX gift cards. I had asked him how this could be considered legitimate. He became frustrated and threatened me that if I dont follow instructions I would be reported and bank check would not get deposited into my acct. He then instructed me to take photos of each front/back and send to number. He kept me on the phone the entire day accessing my cell via any desk app that he told me to download. During the course of the day, he also had me do test transactions on my XXXX XXXX resulting 2 transactions {$220.00} & {$220.00} withdrawn from my checking acct. I received text msgs confirming cancelled transactions from XXXX XXXX
I was panicked and nervous the entire day due to the threats, msgs, emails and promise of getting my funds back.
I finally realized this was a scam when he instructed me to delete our text exchange. Instantly, I placed him on hold and contacted my bank to report this. My bank instructed me to go to the police. My husband and I spoke with Officer and their IT agent. Complaint # XXXX was filed, I need to get a copy once ready approx Fri, XXXX. Calling office tomorrow XXXX. IT agent stated XXXX address on the XXXX XXXX receipt can possibly be traced. He would try to investigate but no guarantees. The officer and I called the number on the Bitcoin receipt to report this issue. We advised the gentlemen all of the details. He advised since this occurred outside of 30-60 min there was nothing he could do. I requested to speak to a Manager. He advised his Team Leader XXXX XXXX wasnt available and would call me back that evening. No call ever received which I feel is extremely neglegent given the amount of money and layered scam.
|
| 06/16/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
|
|
Web |
Servicemember |
|
" Bitcoin Depot '' ( BD ) has no direct relationship or affiliation with " Bitcoin '' - the decentralized virtual currency itself. " Bitcoin Depot '' ( BD ) is a third party company which has numerous ATM locations throughout the country. They simply use the name " Bitcoin '' within their own company name.
BD pays rent to various shop owners in order to place their machines within that given facility. BT takes the customers cash and separately buys bitcoin and sells it to the customer ( highly overprice & without any disclosures ). The location of these BD ATM 's can be seen via there Bitcoin Depot App free for anyone to download.
I recently used one of the physical ATM locations to convert cash into bitcoin. While using their machine, the machine notifies you that there is a {$3.00} flat fee ( see attached receipt # 1 ) for the use of their machines.
However, upon completion of the transaction, you realize that they took 28 % of your cash as a markup for the use of their services ( check " withdrawal '' on attached receipt # 1. This was calculated by converting XXXX XXXX to current actual XXXX market price on XX/XX/2023 XXXXXXXX XXXX = XXXX ). ( Check image # 1 for actual bitcoin market price on XX/XX/2023 XXXX AM ) Nowhere on any screen or terms of use is the " 28 % '' fee disclosed.
In the upper right hand part of the screen, a spot price is displayed, which, at the time of purchase was significantly higher [ XXXX USD ] than what the actual market price was [ XXXX ] ( see attached image # 2 from National Market Price online ) ( see attached R
eceipt # 2 " Price '' from BD ). I called the company in regards to the transaction, and th
ey stated that while the 28 % fee is not disclosed, it is calculated in their spot price on the top right of the machine where it says " 1 XXXX XXXX USD ''.
Again, no where is it disclosed that the market price listed on their machine is not the actual XXXX market price.
Now that the funds have settled in my account, I am missing 28 % of my deposit funds.
This is not an isolated incident as multiple reports of BD can be found online ( with simple google search ) defrauding hundreds of customers per day - and taking almost half of their funds without any disclosures.
|
| 10/06/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
Starting I called a phone which I thought was XXXX XXXX XXXX. I reach a representative name was XXXX number XXXXthat i thought was an XXXX XXXX i told him my issue he had me install an app on my device called XXXX. he then proceeded to tell me my device was hacked. He told me all of my accounts had been compromised. He then had a XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX department call me his name was XXXX from phone number XXXX. He told me that a transaction was going to go through for {$10000.00} and was being wired to XXXX he stated that a XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX employee had give all of my credentials out that for this transaction. He stated they were going to have an investigation at the banks in XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. He then proceeded and did not let me get off the phone with him to take the {$10000.00} in cash to a Bitcoin Depot which was XXXX minutes away phone number XXXX and deposit the cash into what i thought was my XXXX account however it was not. I have filed a police report contacted all of my banking institutions filed a report with the XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX department I have a case in XXXX for fraud I have tried to contact the FBI, FTC and any other Institution that might be able to help. Thank you.
|
| 07/02/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
|
|
Web |
Older American |
|
My XXXX computer seized and message gave me an XXXX number to call. Person said my account was hacked and transferred me to " XXXX XXXX XXXX '' which was another scammer. He said I needed to withdraw {$25000.00} in cash to be deposited at another XXXX machine he would designate that would be more secure. The designated machine turned out to be Bitcoin Depot machine. I deposited {$15000.00} which was all the machine would accept. Scammer told me to send him a copy of the receipt. I never did. Reported this to the bank, filed a report with my local Sheriff, and contacted Bitcoin Depot. They directed me to send them the receipt, sheriff 's report, etc. so they could try to get part of the " processing fees '' covered because this was a scam. I sent the material but insisted they should refund the {$15000.00} since I was like any other legitimate depositor. They said they could not do that because the " QR code '' had been compromised. I explained that the receipt, QR code, etc had bot been provided to anyone and if the money had been transferred to anyone else it had to be a flaw in their system. They have refused to do any thing. Why would a " legitimate company '' refuse to even pursue this matter.
|
| 04/12/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
- Wrong amount charged or received
|
|
Web |
|
|
On XX/XX/2023 at XXXX, I deposited {$500.00} at a Bitcoin Depot ATM to convert to Bitcoin. The price at the time for Bitcoin was XXXX. The machine said it charges a {$3.00} service fee so the amount of Bitcoin I was to receive should have been XXXX coins. The company charged me 20 % without my knowledge and only deposited {$380.00} ( XXXX ) to my wallet. This equates to a purchase price of {$38000.00}. They did not disclose anywhere on the machine, screen, or receipt that there was a 20 % fee as I would not have used their machine. Instead, I wasn't even aware of the transaction particulars until after the transaction was complete and I received a receipt with the incorrect amounts. I would have not used their ATM and just transferred from my bank account to my Bitcoin wallet for a small fee instead using my existing exchange account if I was aware they would charge what is tantamount to a grossly negligent fee. I called the company to rectify the situation and they refused to resolve this matter. Bitcoin Depots website also does not disclose these fees under any page labeled fees or under any FAQ sections.
|
| 04/14/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Domestic (US) money transfer
|
|
|
Web |
Older American |
|
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX I been scammed by unscrupulous people, they took advantage of my willingness, they call me saying they were from XXXX and that someone took controll of my identity, that they have all my informations, that I can lose evrything my savings even my house. This criminals took over my phone and they told me if I don't do what they said I will lose everything, so they did transfers in my bank account from the savings to my checking and told me that I have to take cash $ XXXX and deposit in defferent ATM, {$15.00} in Bitcoin Depot and an other {$15.00} Bitcoin of America. they didn't let me received or makes call, I was so scary and stupid how I believe this criminal, that was the worst day of my life, that caused me a lot a financial and emotional problem, I am in therapy at the moment for very severe XXXX.
I complain to the FBI and the local police, also I send Bitcoin Depot 2 letter with all the proofs, XX/XX/2023 and XX/XX/2023, they answer was nothing they can do about.
|
| 08/20/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
On XX/XX/2023, I received a phone call from a person stating that they were from XXXX XXXX department and that there was an account that was associated with my name and social security number. They also stated that there were several bank accounts that were opened in my name. They apparently connected me to XXXX XXXX XXXX department and advised me to take money out of my account and open a digital wallet account in the amount of {$6600.00}. I proceeded as directed and was asked to go to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Illinois XXXX to open a digital wallet. After returning home and calling the Bitcoin Depot customer service, there was no way that the account was able to be associated my personal information. The next morning, I called Bitcoin Depot customer service, and they advised that I was scammed. I have to go through social security through a long-drawn-out process to secure my identity and privacy. I also contacted the police and reported the fraudulent scam that I experienced.
|
| 03/30/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Mobile or digital wallet
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
I received a text stating my bank account had been hacked and called the number. To confuse the hackers, I was instructed to go to my bank and withdraw cash to deposit into an atm. I was then led around XXXX to several ATMs trying to find one that accepted cash. When I did, I was instructed to deposit the cash into the machine to confuse the hackers further. After I discussed it with my family, I learned I had deposited into a bitcoin machine and essentially was defrauded for {$2800.00}. XXXX Sent Info : XXXX XXXX XXXX Address : XXXX Order # : XXXX
|
| 10/11/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
Commencing on or around XX/XX/2023, I fell victim to a multilayered scam operation orchestrated by XXXX which involved me making deposits for a total amount of XXXX USD to the fraudulent investment firm ( XXXX ).
|
| 04/08/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Domestic (US) money transfer
|
|
|
Web |
Older American |
|
Fell victim to a scam through Bitcoin Depot.
|
| 12/28/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
|
| 12/27/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
|
| 09/01/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
|
|
Phone |
Older American |
|
|
| 06/08/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Foreign currency exchange
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
|
| 04/01/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Mobile or digital wallet
|
- Unauthorized transactions or other transaction problem
|
|
Web |
Older American |
|
|
| 02/07/2023 |
Yes |
- Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
- Virtual currency
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
|