brisbane, January 16, 2026 – Queensland residents lost over $23 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2024, and authorities are now warning of a surge in schemes targeting vulnerable individuals through cryptocurrency automated teller machines, or CATMs.
Crypto ATM Scams on teh Rise in Queensland
Police are urging caution as scammers exploit the growing popularity of cryptocurrency, using ATMs to launder stolen funds and deceive unsuspecting victims.
What should you do if someone asks you to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency ATM? Police say to immediately recognize this as a major red flag and refuse the request.
The Financial & Cyber Crime Group, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police Joint Police Cyber Coordination Center (JPC3), has launched a campaign to combat these increasingly elegant cryptocurrency ATM (CATM) scams. As part of this effort, North Brisbane Crime Prevention Units are distributing informational posters and brochures near CATM locations.
Protecting Yourself from Crypto Scams
To stay safe, police advise remaining alert and ignoring unexpected requests for money via CATMs. Always verify requests by contacting organizations directly through official channels and never sending funds to strangers. Protect your personal and financial details, and double-check payment requests by confirming details on official websites.
- Be alert: Ignore unsolicited requests for money via CATMs.
- Verify requests: Contact organizations directly through official channels.
- Don’t share: Keep personal and financial details private.
- Report scams: Report to the Australian Cyber Security Centre or Scamwatch.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au or Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au (1300 795 995). Support is also available through IDCARE at idcare.org.
For free and confidential advice, contact the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 292 371.
