East Texas Sheriff Sounds Alarm on Bitcoin ATM Scams
East Texas Sheriff Pushes Texas Ban on Bitcoin ATMs After ScamSmith CountySheriff Larry Smith met with state leaders earlier this week to push for a statewide ban on cryptocurrency kiosks. Texaswould not be. . .
East Texas Sheriff Pushes Texas Ban on Bitcoin ATMs After ScamSmith CountySheriff Larry Smith met with state leaders earlier this week to push for a statewide ban on cryptocurrency kiosks. Texaswould not be the first state to implement a ban like this, as Indiana, Tennessee and Minnesota already have similar bans in place. There is even a ban on these machines in San Antonio specifically, but not across the state of Texas. The meeting of law enforcement and state officials were to discuss the rise in financial crimes involving cash-to-crypto terminals, often called Bitcoin ATMs. Why Smith County Wants Bitcoin ATMs BannedSheriff Smith has been pushing for tighter regulation of these machines, including a statewide ban in Texas. He first publicly called for a ban in May after an elderly woman wasscammed out of $13,000by an inmate in a Georgia prison facility using a cryptocurrency kiosk. READ MORE:84-Year-Old Texas Woman Almost a Victim in Bitcoin Fraud SchemeWho Attended the Meeting With State LeadersThose in attendance at the meeting about the cryptocurrency machines include representatives from Sen. Bryan Hughes’ office, State Rep. Cole Hefner and his staff, and State Rep. Daniel Alders and his staff. The law enforcement officials included officials from the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Get our free mobile appWhy Law Enforcement Is Concerned About Crypto KiosksWhile there is no official word on what was accomplished at the meeting, it appears those in attendance agreed the machines are causing harm because they are being used to defraud people and help launder money. Hereis a list of ways to avoid becoming a victim to cryptocurrency schemes. If you have become a victim and want to report it, here is thelinkto the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. 6 Common Scams Found in TexasHere is a look at six of the most common scams found in the state of Texas. Remember these so you don't become a victim. Gallery Credit:Billy JenkinsSpotting And Avoiding Roofing Scams After A StormAfter severe weather, a hailstorm, or a tornado, people are quick to help start the recovery and cleanup process. While getting help from family, friends, and neighbors is easy, you often have to turn to a contractor for the larger work. Don't fall victim to a contractor's scam and lose money with no repairs. Here are the things to look for so that you don't become a storm scam victim. Gallery Credit: Lucky Larry, Mix 93-1