Second person scammed at Jackson Bitcoin machine

JACKSON (WNE) — A 51-year-old Jackson man was scammed out of $7,500 on Saturday after following instructions from a fraudulent caller who directed him to use the Bitcoin conversion machine at the Jackson Loaf N’ Jug.

The scam began when the man received a phone call from someone claiming to be a representative from Apple, warning him that his account had been compromised. During the call, the victim revealed where he banks.

Shortly afterward, the man received a second call — this time from someone claiming to represent his bank.

Following the caller’s instructions, the man withdrew $7,500 in cash and deposited it into the Bitcoin machine, said Sgt. John Faicco of the Teton County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is the latest cryptocurrency-related scam in the area. In March, a local woman was defrauded of $18,000 through a nearly identical scheme involving phone calls and the same Bitcoin machine.

Scammers frequently impersonate businesses, government agencies or romantic partners to build trust and pressure victims into making quick decisions.

“Scams targeting investors who use cryptocurrency are skyrocketing in severity and complexity,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said following the release of the agency’s 2023 annual report.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency.

“No legitimate business is going to demand you send cryptocurrency in advance — not to buy something, and not to protect your money,” FTC officials say. “That’s always a scam.”

This story was published on June 4, 2025.