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crime14h ago
Protecting Hawaii’s kupuna from cryptocurrency kiosk scams
- Police and lawmakers warn Hawaii’s seniors about cryptocurrency kiosk scams, a growing risk in stores and malls.
- The FBI says crypto kiosk scams doubled last year, totaling nearly $250 million nationwide.
- Hawaii logged 68 complaints and about $1 million in losses from crypto kiosk scams.
- Kiosk operators say less than 3% of crypto scam losses occurred at these machines; most losses were online.
- Store owners hosting kiosks say the machines are not to blame and monitor transactions.
- Authorities urge victims to call 911 and avoid giving personal data or crypto payments over the phone.
- AARP Hawaii is holding a Town Hall on holiday fraud with a toll-free participation line.
- Regulators discuss potential restrictions or bans on buying crypto via kiosks.
- Kiosk operators report commissions of up to 20% on transactions and store rent to host machines.
- Safeguards include scam warnings, ID verification for large deposits, and a 24/7 hotline.
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