AARP of Pennsylvania is warning the state’s senior citizens to remain vigilant against scams involving cryptocurrency, which cost Americans $1.4 billion in 2024 alone, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

A typical cryptocurrency scam will contact a potential victim through text messages or social media and direct them to deposit large sums of money into a Bitcoin ATM. Once the money is deposited, it is effectively gone.

These messages usually coerce the victim to act urgently to deposit their money, either through threats of legal action or promises of quick profits.

The AARP encourages seniors to report scams to local law enforcement, or reach out to them for help at 1-877-908-3360 or http://www.aarp.org/pafraud.