Bitcoin Kiosks at Circle K: A Safety Guide

If you’ve recently been inside a Circle K, you may have noticed a machine that looks like an ATM — but instead of giving you cash, it takes cash and sends cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.

These machines are often called Bitcoin kiosks or crypto ATMs. While they can be used legitimately, they have also become one of the most common tools scammers use to steal money.

This guide explains what they are, why scammers use them, and how to stay safe.

What is a Bitcoin kiosk?

Bitcoin kiosks are usually operated by third-party companies such as Bitcoin Depot, not by Circle K itself.

Here’s how they work:

• You insert cash

• The machine converts it into cryptocurrency

• The crypto is sent to a wallet address or QR code

Once the transaction is sent, it cannot be reversed.

That’s how crypto works — and why scammers target these machines.

Why scammers use Bitcoin kiosks

Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and confusion.

Common scam scenarios include:

• “Your bank account has been compromised”

• “You owe back taxes or fines”

• “There’s a warrant for your arrest”

• “Your computer or phone is hacked”

• “Your money needs to be secured immediately”

The scammer will:

• Pressure you to act right now

• Tell you to keep it secret

• Instruct you to go to a Bitcoin kiosk

• Provide a QR code or wallet address

• Stay on the phone while you send money

Once cash is sent, the money goes directly to the scammer — often overseas — and is usually gone within minutes.

The most important rule to remember

No legitimate bank, government agency, utility company, court, or tech support provider will EVER ask you to pay using Bitcoin or a crypto kiosk.

If anyone tells you to pay this way: It is a scam.

Person using a Bitcoin kiosk, illustrating how cryptocurrency kiosks allow users to purchase or send digital currency in retail locations.

Red flags — stop immediately if you see these

• You’re told to act urgently or face consequences

• You’re told not to tell anyone

• You’re given a QR code or wallet address

• You’re instructed to go to a crypto or Bitcoin ATM

• You’re asked to stay on the phone while paying

Scammers succeed by rushing people. Slowing down breaks the scam.

How to protect yourself and others

• Hang up the phone — don’t stay engaged

• Verify independently using a phone number you look up yourself

• Talk to someone you trust before paying anything unusual

• Walk away from the kiosk if you feel pressured

For seniors and loved ones, share this simple rule:

“If anyone asks you to pay with Bitcoin or a kiosk, it’s a scam.”

If someone already used a kiosk

Act quickly:

1. Save receipts, wallet addresses, phone numbers, and store location

2. Report the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (IC3)

3. Report to the FTC

4. Contact the kiosk operator immediately

Even if funds can’t be recovered, reporting helps protect others.

Why this matters to Go-Crypto

At Go-Crypto, we believe:

• Victims should never be blamed

• Education is the strongest form of protection

• Clear information saves people from harm

Crypto itself isn’t the problem — pressure without understanding is.

Please share this guide 💛

If this has helped you, consider sharing it with:

• Parents or grandparents

• Friends new to crypto

• Anyone who might feel pressured in a financial emergency

Sometimes one shared page is enough to help someone pause, think, and walk away.

Because the most powerful security tool isn’t technology —it’s awareness, shared with care.