ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Bad guys are always out there trying to take your money — and St. Johns County detectives say cryptocurrency kiosks are becoming a go-to tool for scammers.
Whether you’re into cryptocurrency yourself or trying to help an older friend or loved one protect their money, investigators with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office say they’re seeing more cases where victims are pressured into feeding cash into crypto ATMs and sending it straight to criminals.
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Detective Lea Tiota with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit says scammers often hook people by pushing intense emotions. He says victims are frequently manipulated through fear, the promise of quick financial gain, or embarrassment — and once the scammer has control of the conversation, they guide the victim step-by-step.
To show how it works, detectives met with News4JAX at a cryptocurrency kiosk.
Detectives say the process can be as simple as entering a phone number or scanning a QR code. That inputs the “address” where the money is supposed to go. Then the victim inserts U.S. cash, and the kiosk generates a receipt showing where the cryptocurrency was sent.
That’s also why deputies say one of the biggest warning signs is being told to use a crypto ATM to pay someone.
“If anybody’s telling me to come here and send them money, that’s a huge red flag,” News4JAX’s Joy Purdy asked.
Detectives agreed — and said people should never be sending money to someone they don’t know through cryptocurrency. They also warned scammers sometimes tell victims to throw away the receipt or not take one at all, because that receipt can help investigators start tracking where the money went.
Detectives say these scams don’t just target business owners or tech-savvy people — they’re also seeing many seniors becoming victims.
Scott Herrington with Florida’s Seniors vs. Crime Division says when cases involve criminal financial crimes, law enforcement handles them, but if the situation turns out to be a civil issue, Seniors vs. Crime can help older adults navigate the process and look for solutions.
Herrington says his office is seeing a range of scams aimed at seniors, including romance scams, construction scams and other financial fraud. He says some victims have even been convinced to send gift cards to people they believed were celebrities — after being manipulated into thinking they were in an online relationship.
Detective Bobby Fultz with the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office says loneliness can play a major role.
“You’re living by yourself. You get bored, you get lonely, you want somebody to talk to,” Fultz said, adding that scammers are often skilled at gaining trust because they’re “very good listeners.”
Herrington also shared red flags seniors should watch for when hiring a contractor, including anyone who demands all the money up front, won’t provide a business address, or refuses to give a written contract. He also warned against signing anything on a tablet without reviewing it carefully.
What you can do
- Never pay someone through a cryptocurrency kiosk if they contacted you unexpectedly.
- Don’t let anyone rush you or threaten you into sending money.
- Always keep the receipt from any crypto transaction — it can help investigators.
- If you think you’ve been targeted, contact law enforcement right away.
Seniors vs. Crime works closely with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, but the program falls under Florida’s Attorney General’s Office.
More resources:
- Elder Source: myeldersource.org/info@myeldersource.org
- St. Johns County Council on Aging: coasjc.org
- Florida Attorney General - Senior Protection Team: myflfamilies.com
- CHARITY Navigator - charitynavigator.org