The FTC's report shows a massive increase in Bitcoin ATM scams, with $110 million scammed last year. This year alone, the figure has already reached $65 million just in the first half. If we compare this to 2020, there's been a tenfold increase in scams...isn't that alarming?
What do you expect from these figures? I don't think I ever expected the figures to reduce, the figures directly corresponds with the increasing crime rate. By next year, the figures may be higher if the economic situation in some countries do not change and improve for the better because as people become more desperate, they are more willing to find more ways to get money even if it is stealing. Bitcoin ATM's may just be the easier target currently for these criminals.
The idea is that there are big opportunities online because there is evidence that people around us or we see people online are successful. That is one of the main cause why people fall for scams that cost them a fortune. I can imagine how much that was been scammed that would give such a sum of amount ($65 million) this year when it's not yet over. Still, more and more people are being victims of scams because of a lack of knowledge about the process of it.
In a conference I attended. There was a discussion about cybercrime with tech-savvy individuals that engage in projects that are Ponzi schemes and scams. And I made a suggestion there, that a school for those who are victims of cybercrimes or are discussing with someone who they feel might be a scammer should be built for such persons. That will help increase global awareness.