Cryptocurrency ATM scams surge in Treasure Valley as callers pose as police

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Treasure Valley Partnership (TVP) is warning of a growing cryptocurrency ATM scam across the Treasure Valley.

In one of the most common versions of the scam, callers impersonate law enforcement and tell victims there is a warrant for their arrest. Victims are instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it into a cryptocurrency ATM to resolve the warrant or avoid arrest.

Scammers may stay on the phone throughout the transaction, using fear and urgency to keep victims from questioning what they are being told.

TVP says that in Meridian, 30 victims lost a combined $1.3 million between January and July of this year alone. In Eagle, Star, Kuna and unincorporated Ada County, scam losses totaled approximately $486,000 in 2025.

In 2026, losses are tracking at a similar pace, with $406,000 already lost to scams through September. Caldwell has reported 44 cases over the past three years. Approximately half of identified victims are over age 60, although people of all ages have fallen victim to these scams.

The growing losses are prompting local governments to consider additional action. Star Mayor Trevor Chadwick adopted an ordinance banning cryptocurrency ATMs within the city limits. Kuna Mayor Joe Stear is working on an ordinance addressing cryptocurrency kiosks, potentially prohibiting the machines within city limits, citing their repeated use in fraud and the difficulty of recovering money once funds are transferred to a scammer’s digital wallet.

The Treasure Valley Partnership says it is taking the threat seriously and working with law enforcement and community leaders to confront this growing scam, protect residents and ensure people, especially older adults, know the warning signs before they become victims.