Latest news with #AthenaBitcoin
The Star
14-06-2025
- The Star
She got a phone call to deposit her money. The terrifying scam inside bitcoin ATMs in the US
The stories have played out across the country. In New Jersey, it was a 74-year-old retired art restorer contacted by a person purporting to be an Apple representative, advising her that her computer had been hacked and her credentials and accounts with her banks had been compromised. He warned that a number of illegal transactions had been conducted under her name and accounts – including purchases of child pornography. The only way to protect the US$25,800 (RM 109,554) sitting in her bank from the pending charges, he told her, was to withdraw the funds and deposit them into what he called a 'proxy' account through a bitcoin ATM located at a nearby Exxon gas station. There, he claimed, it could be held 'until her name was cleared.' In Iowa, Attorney General Brenna Bird earlier this year filed lawsuits against two bitcoin ATM operators over what she said was their failures that led to residents transferring millions of dollars to scammers. And in Silver Spring, Md, the victim was a 75-year-old woman who lost US$13,000 (RM 55,201) in the same kind of scam. In court filings, her attorneys said she was instructed by a purported Wells Fargo bank representative to take the money out of her account and bring it to a nearby bitcoin ATM, 'where it will be encrypted.' The same kind of high-tech heists have taken tens of millions of dollars in recent years, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Fueled by the Internet, scam tactics are always evolving. The game plan always involves finding a way to transfer money in ways it cannot be recovered. Sometimes it's a demand for a money order, or the use of gift cards that victims are told they must buy to avoid arrest or to secure access to their money. Bitcoin ATMs – generally found at convenience stores, gas stations and other high-traffic areas – have increasingly become the latest tool to separate people from their money. The machines look like a traditional automatic teller machine, but do not distribute cash. Instead, they take bills in various denominations in exchange for cryptocurrency, which is not tied to governments or banks and is untraceable. The bitcoin funds get credited to an anonymous account or 'wallet' controlled by the scammer. Once there, it cannot be easily tracked or recovered. Last month, attorneys for three New Jersey victims filed a lawsuit in Superior Court against Athena Bitcoin, a company that provides the ATMs, as well as the retail stores that hosted the machines, over their use as 'payment portals' to enable the fraud. It charged them with violations of the state's consumer fraud act. 'I can't think of any use for these machines that isn't criminal money laundering or fraud,' said their lawyer, Marc Dann, a former Ohio attorney general who has similar cases pending in Ohio and Colorado. He plans to soon file additional complaints in Florida, Massachusetts and Mississippi. Athena Bitcoin, based in Miami, did not respond to calls and emails to the company, to its marketing director, or to a message left with one of its attorneys. According to its website, it has 3,700 ATMS, operating in 33 US states and territories, and in four countries in Central and South America. At a gas station convenience store in Union County, an Athena ATM was planted near the front entrance, next to a conventional ATM. Its screen last Friday carried a warning: 'Did someone call or email you with instructions on how to 'protect" your money? Has someone reached out to you telling you that you should or must use this or any other ATM machine? IF YES, TO EITHER OF THE ABOVE, STOP NOW. Contact your back to verify the security of your account. ATM scams are real." Dann said there are a number of companies that offer Bitcoin ATMs. Some, he noted, have better security measures in place to prevent or minimise the risk that fraud victims will deposit funds. But the lawsuit alleged that the company does not have safeguards. The complaint sought a class action on behalf of others who may have been victimised, charging Athena with negligence, possession of stolen property, and racketeering. 'They were really scary...' One of those named in last month's lawsuit was Joanne Nebus-Horning of Aberdeen, who is represented by Dann, said she got drawn into the scam when she got an email in March that appeared to be from Apple, informing her that her computer had been hacked. 'They said call this number, which I stupidly did,' she recalled in an interview last week. 'They did all these things to assure me they were legit.' The number for Apple came up on her phone, which scammers are able to do by 'spoofing' the originating number to suggest it is coming from somewhere else. They put her in touch with someone who claimed to be head of security for her bank. And they told her not to let anyone else know what was going on. 'I just accepted it, and it snowballed from there,' said Nebus-Horning, who now operates her own antique appraisal business and is no neophyte to computers or technology. 'They were really convincing and scary. They told me that those who used my credit card or bank account were connected to child porn site.' Afraid of what might happen, she followed their instructions to go to her bank and take out cash to put in a so-called proxy account for safe keeping. She said they started by asking for US$5,000 (RM 21,231) . Then they wanted more. A lot more. She went to another bank branch to withdraw more money, where she was counseled to re-think what she was doing. But she persisted, based on the instructions she had been given. Then she took the stack of bills to a bitcoin ATM at a gas station in Holmdel, as she was told, and started feeding in the bills one by one. 'It took me 15 to 20 minutes,' she said. 'I was told if anyone came up, to tell them I'm talking to the machine and don't bother me.' They kept promising her she would get her money back and they would call her. But by the next day, she realised she had been scammed. She called the police, but there was little they could do. Nebus-Horning is not confused by computers. But she admitted the phone number convinced her the call had been from Apple. 'I didn't research. I didn't do due diligence,' she said. The FTC said there has been 'a massive increase' in the amount of money consumers report lost to scammers involving bitcoin ATM machines. From 2020 to 2023, those losses increased nearly tenfold to over US$110mil (RM467mil). In the first six months of 2024, they topped US$65mil (RM276mil) – the most recent data available. Law enforcement agencies say cryptocurrency ATMs have also been used to launder drug proceeds. A 2021 report by the State Commission of Investigation found the machines largely unregulated with no safeguards against fraud, noting one scheme where cryptocurrency kiosks were utilised to carry out a scam that duped multiple victims into spending a total of more than US$600,000 (RM2.5mil) to buy vehicles advertised for sale on eBay that did not really exist. Here in New Jersey, state Sen. Paul D. Moriarty, D-Gloucester, is now seeking to ban Bitcoin ATMs, similar to those operated by Athena Bitcoin. His bill, S-3694, would make it an unlawful practice to control, install, manage or sell a cryptocurrency ATM in New Jersey. 'I don't believe there is any legitimate purpose for these Bitcoin machines. None,' said Moriarty in an interview. 'Even if someone wanted to buy Bitcoin, no one would buy it from a Bitcoin machine. So what's going on? It's ludicrous that someone would be going to a laundromat or gas station or convenience store to make an investment. It's laughable.' He said the proposed legislation was sparked by a call from a friend who saw a distraught person at a gas station putting money in a bitcoin ATM and was told by an attendant that they see people coming in all the time and depositing large amounts of cash. 'I went to that gas station myself and talked to the owner and asked him why they have that here,' he recalled. 'He told me we try and talk them down, but they pay me US$200 (RM849) to put it here.' Incredulous, he asked, 'Do you feel good about it?' Months later, he says it was still there. Bitcoin ATMS, he said, 'don't dispense anything except fraud. They shouldn't call them ATMS. There's no reason for them to exist.' His bill, introduced in September, and a companion piece of legislation in the Assembly, are both sitting in committee. Nebus-Horning has yet to get any of her money back. – News Service
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Yahoo
Four-alarm fire destroys multiple buildings on Renaissance Festival grounds
A dozen commercial buildings on the Minnesota Renaissance Festival grounds in Shakopee were destroyed by a four-alarm fire on Thursday night, authorities said. The Shakopee Fire Department received reports of the fire shortly after 6 p.m. The first engine left the station immediately and arrived 14 minutes later because of the distance between the station and the festival grounds between U.S. 169 and the Minnesota River, according to a Facebook post by the department. While they were on their way, a large smoke column could be seen, so fire officials called for more help, upgrading the call to a two-alarm blaze. When firefighters arrived, they encountered 'heavy fire conditions involving multiple connected commercial structures, which included retail shops and food vendors.' A four-alarm fire was called and support from 10 area fire departments was needed to fight the blaze as well as help with other coverage in Shakopee. 'Water supply proved to be a significant challenge,' officials said, noting that the festival grounds are not connected to a city water system 'requiring water tenders to shuttle water from hydrants nearly eight minutes away.' In addition, officials said, access to the festival grounds was 'further complicated by unlit, minimally maintained gravel roads, recent rainfall, and challenging terrain not designed for large emergency vehicles.' The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. One firefighter from Shakopee was struck by a fire hose and had a minor injury that was treated at the scene, officials said. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by state and local investigators, but it broke out as thunderstorms were moving through the area. Renaissance Festival organizers said they were making plans to rebuild and that the event celebrating Elizabethan England would open as planned on Aug. 16. Ramsey County to pay $3.6M to family of hemophiliac who died after 2022 arrest, jailing After fire at St. Paul church, owner wants to secure steeple, return to ministering Steeple fire at historic St. Paul church likely sparked by lightning 'Know every move you're making': Stillwater prison inmates learn life lessons playing chess Athena Bitcoin asks Stillwater to repeal cryptocurrency ATM ban
Associated Press
25-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Athena Bitcoin's Chief Compliance Officer to Speak at FIBA's 2025 AML Conference
Sam Nazzaro, Athena Bitcoin's Chief Compliance Officer to Speak at FIBA's 2025 AML Conference MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 25, 2025 / Athena Bitcoin Global is proud to announce that Sam Nazzaro, Chief Compliance Officer, will be speaking on a featured panel at the FIBA 2025 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Conference, taking place March 24-27 in Miami, Florida. Nazzaro will participate in the panel titled 'The Changing Tide of Crypto Compliance' on March 25, 2025, where he will join other industry leaders to discuss evolving regulatory landscapes, technological innovations, and the ongoing challenges of ensuring compliance within the digital asset space. Hosted annually by the Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA), the AML Conference brings together banking professionals, regulators, fintech leaders, and compliance experts from around the globe to share insight and best practices in anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and risk management. 'As digital assets continue to gain traction, it's critical for the industry to be proactive, transparent, and collaborative in meeting regulatory expectations,' said Nazzaro. 'I look forward to representing Athena Bitcoin and contributing to this important conversation on the future of crypto compliance.' For more information about the conference, visit About Athena Bitcoin Global Athena Bitcoin Global operates an international network of Athena Bitcoin kiosks, which are free standing kiosks that permit customers to buy or sell Bitcoin in exchange for fiat currencies. The Company places its machines in convenience stores, shopping centers and other easily accessible locations in thirty-three US states and territories, and in four countries in Central and South America. Athena Bitcoin Global's comprehensive fintech platform enables POS merchant payments powered by Athena Pay and the Company provides safe, reliable and personalized trading services through its Athena Plus services. To learn more visit or follow Athena Bitcoin Global on Twitter and LinkedIn. Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'target,' 'will,' 'would' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Athena Bitcoin Global specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Associated Press
28-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Athena Bitcoin Global CEO Matias Goldenhörn to Speak at Plan ₿ Forum El Salvador
SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR / ACCESS Newswire / January 28, 2025 / Athena Bitcoin Global proudly announces that its CEO, Matias Goldenhörn, will be a featured panelist at the upcoming Plan ₿ Forum El Salvador, Central America's premier Bitcoin conference. This landmark event will take place on January 30-31, 2025, in San Salvador, El Salvador, and will bring together global leaders, technologists, and entrepreneurs to explore key topics surrounding Bitcoin adoption, economics, financial freedom, and freedom of speech. Matias Goldenhörn will participate in a distinguished panel focusing on Bitcoin adoption in LATAM, sharing insights on the transformative impact of Bitcoin across the region and Athena Bitcoin's pivotal role in fostering financial inclusion and innovation. With years of experience spearheading Athena Bitcoin's operations across Latin America, Matias brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to the conversation. 'El Salvador's leadership in Bitcoin adoption has sparked a global conversation about the future of finance, and I am honored to join this esteemed panel at the Plan ₿ Forum,' said Matias Goldenhörn. 'Bitcoin has the power to drive financial freedom and economic growth, particularly in Latin America, where traditional financial systems often fall short of meeting the needs of the people.' About Plan ₿ Forum: The Plan ₿ Forum El Salvador is a premier platform uniting thought leaders, policy makers, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the world to discuss Bitcoin's evolving role in the global economy. With a focus on fostering dialogue and innovation, the conference highlights El Salvador's pioneering approach to Bitcoin adoption and its potential to transform economies and societies. About Athena Bitcoin Global Athena Bitcoin Global operates an international network of Athena Bitcoin kiosks, which are free standing kiosks that permit customers to buy or sell Bitcoin in exchange for fiat currencies. The Company places its machines in convenience stores, shopping centers and other easily accessible locations in thirty-three US states and territories, and in four countries in Central and South America. Athena Bitcoin Global's comprehensive fintech platform enables POS merchant payments powered by Athena Pay and the Company provides safe, reliable and personalized trading services through its Athena Plus services. To learn more visit or follow Athena Bitcoin Global on Twitter and LinkedIn. Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'target,' 'will,' 'would' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of the preliminary prospectus filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Athena Bitcoin Global specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
