Bitcoinand other virtual currencies can expose users to a number of risks, including hackers and scammers trying to take advantage of hype surrounding the technology, a U.S. consumer protection agency warned Monday.

“I think it is fair to say that a number of the risks highlighted could also be applied to cash,” he said by email. “Investing in bitcoin is indeed risky, but using it is no more risky than using physical U.S. dollars.”