PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — Scammers impersonating law enforcement officers and government agents are targeting Pinellas Park residents in an emerging scheme that uses Bitcoin ATMs to steal money, the Pinellas Park Police Department announced.
According to authorities, callers pose as local police, federal agents, or court officials, telling victims they face an active arrest warrant, missed jury duty, an unpaid subpoena, or an outstanding fine. The callers threaten immediate arrest or additional criminal charges unless the victim pays right away.
During these calls, victims are told to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and deposit the money into a nearby Bitcoin ATM or cryptocurrency kiosk. Scammers frequently stay on the line, walking targets through the deposit process step-by-step.
Investigators noted that once a victim makes a first payment, scammers typically demand more funds, citing extra administrative fees or new penalties. In some instances, a second scammer calls the target pretending to represent a different agency to make the operation seem genuine.
Callers also use isolation tactics to keep victims from getting help. Targets are frequently ordered to stay on the phone and instructed not to speak with family members, friends, or bank tellers. Police said this strategy is intended to prevent bystanders from spotting the scam and stepping in.
Authorities emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies and government offices never demand payments for warrants, fines, or legal penalties through Bitcoin ATMs or any other cryptocurrency format. Callers may also have access to publicly available information, including a person’s real name, home address, and other personal details, which they use to sound authentic.
Police advised the public that genuine officers will never threaten someone for hanging up or seeking a second opinion. Anyone who receives an unsolicited call demanding financial payment or cryptocurrency should hang up immediately and verify the claim by contacting the relevant agency through an independently confirmed phone number.
Those who have already deposited funds into a kiosk should contact their bank immediately and file a report with local police. While cryptocurrency transactions are notoriously hard to recover, authorities stated that quick reporting aids active investigations. Anyone who suspects they have been targeted is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency.
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