Texas sheriffs used power tools to retrieve $32,000 from a Bitcoin ATM, responding to a scam that left a local family defrauded of $25,000. Images from the incident show a sheriff using a circular saw on a Bitcoin Depot kiosk, with stacks of cash visible in the background. Authorities, including Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, emphasized their commitment to protecting citizens from scams, advising the public to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a government official. In 2024, Americans over 60 reported $107 million in losses related to Bitcoin ATMs due to scams involving impersonation. The sheriff’s office obtained a search warrant to recover the money while continuing to pursue the scammers online. Bitcoin Depot, which operates 8,400 kiosks, has been collaborating with investigators to improve recovery efforts and support law enforcement in educating the public about cryptocurrency precautions.

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