Sheriff Kevin Coppinger
Sheriff Kevin Coppinger has joined all 14 Massachusetts Sheriffs in urging lawmakers to ban cryptocurrency kiosks across the Commonwealth, a growing tool used by scammers to steal millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims.
A recent article in The Boston Globe highlights the devastating impact these scams are having, particularly here in Essex County. According to the Globe, five people lost a combined $128,000 at a SINGLE cryptocurrency kiosk in Haverhill. There are hundreds more machines just like it across Massachusetts, creating more opportunities for scammers to target innocent victims.
Too often, these scams prey on older adults and other vulnerable residents, convincing them to deposit money into cryptocurrency kiosks to pay fake fines, warrants, or other fraudulent fees. Once that money is sent, it is almost impossible to recover. The Globe story shows the tenacity of local police departments and Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker’s office in the fight to try and get justice for those that have been scammed.
Protecting our communities means staying ahead of emerging threats. Sheriff Coppinger is proud to stand with the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association in supporting legislation that would eliminate these kiosks and help prevent more families from becoming victims of financial fraud.
If someone calls demanding immediate payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers, it’s a scam. Hang up, verify the information independently, and contact your local law enforcement agency.