Deputies discovered the family’s money was held in a bitcoin kiosk-style ATM machine tucked between an ATM machine and a Texas Lottery kiosk.
JASPER, Texas — Jasper County deputies and investigators recovered $31,900 from a Bitcoin Depot kiosk Tuesday after a Jasper County family was scammed out of $25,000 at a Hardin County location.
Deputies were sent to the victim’s home at about 5 p.m. Monday after the family reported being scammed, according to a news release from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy Larry Pulliam, Jr. and Deputy Gray immediately began gathering information about the incident.
The victims received a call from someone claiming to be a government entity who told them they owed $25,000, according to Sheriff Havard. They were instructed to pay the supposed fees to a bitcoin account using the Bitcoin Depot kiosk., he told 12News.
“When thieves, low-lifes and scammers attempt to take advantage of the citizens of Jasper County, we will work swiftly and utilize every resource at our disposal to protect our citizens and their property at all costs,” Sheriff Chuck Havard said in a statement.
Working with Jasper County investigator David Lampman, authorities obtained and executed a state search warrant in an attempt to recover the victim’s money.
The investigation led Pulliam to the bitcoin kiosk inside the Sunshine Grocery along FM 92 just north of Silsbee in Hardin County.
Deputies discovered the family’s money was held in the bitcoin kiosk-style ATM machine tucked between an ATM machine and a Texas Lottery kiosk. With assistance from the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and Investigator Lampman, Chief Deputy Pulliam used a saw to cut the locks on the Bitcoin kiosk and seized the funds held inside totaling $31,900.
The $31,900 was returned to Jasper County pending a seizure hearing. The investigation into the scam continues.
Sheriff Havard warned residents to remain vigilant against online scams. “Please ensure that you are being vigilant to protect you and your family from on-line scammers because these investigations can be very complex and difficult to solve,” Havard said.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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