Cryptocurrency Scammers Target Treasure Valley Residents

The Treasure Valley Partnership in Idaho is warning residents about a growing cryptocurrency ATM scam that has resulted in significant losses. In one common version of the scam, callers pose as law enforcement and inform victims that there is a warrant for their arrest. They instruct the victims to withdraw cash and deposit it into a cryptocurrency ATM to resolve the issue or avoid arrest.

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