HAYS, Kan. (KSNW) — The Hays Police Department is warning residents about a surge in scams that pressure victims into sending money through Bitcoin ATMs.

Police say scammers often pose as government officials, law enforcement, or utility companies, threatening arrest, fines, or other consequences unless immediate payment is made in cryptocurrency. Victims are typically directed to specific Bitcoin ATM locations and given QR codes to send funds directly to the scammer’s wallet.

“No legitimate government agency, law enforcement, or utility company will ever demand payment through a Bitcoin ATM, gift card, or wire transfer,” Chief of Police Don Scheibler said in a statement. “If someone tells you to use one of these machines to pay a fine, resolve an issue, or protect your money, it is a sc

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