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Woman loses nearly $10K in jury duty crypto scam
Gail Barr expected birthday calls on her 70th birthday. She got plenty of sweet messages from family and friends. Then one voicemail turned her day upside down. The caller claimed to be Chief Deputy Derek Elmore with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. He said Gail had an urgent legal matter involving court documents from an Arizona judge. When Gail called back, the story got scarier.
She had missed jury duty, the caller said. Now she needed to pay a nearly $10,000 fine or risk arrest. Gail is a nurse practitioner. She knows how to handle medical pressure. But a missed jury duty threat felt different. “Well, I didn’t know,” Gail said on the CyberGuy Report podcast at cyberguy.com/podcast, “I know medical things, but I didn’t know how that worked.” That confusion helped the scammer pull her deeper into a jury duty crypto scam.
6 CRYPTO SCAM SCRIPTS CRIMINALS USE TO STEAL YOUR MONEY
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The scammer did not sound like a random criminal. He used real local names and official-sounding titles. Gail said the voicemail mentioned Judge Jennifer Zipes. She checked the name and found that Jennifer Zipes was indeed an Arizona judge. She also looked up Derek Elmore and found a law enforcement connection. That made the call feel real.
Gail said she was transferred to someone who claimed to be Police Captain John Bailey. He gave her a badge number. He also told her she had been hand-selected for a grand jury case because of her medical background. That detail hit hard. Gail had worked in nursing and as a nurse practitioner. So the story felt possible.
“They said that I was hand-selected by the judge to appear in a grand jury, a medical malpractice case, because of my background in nursing,” Gail said. “So that kind of rang a bell that I believed them.” Then came the threat. The caller claimed Gail had signed a subpoena, failed to appear in court and now faced citations for contempt of court and failure to appear.
Scammers know how to use fear. They also know how to use pieces of real information to make a lie sound believable. That is what happened to Gail. The caller used the names of real people. He knew enough about her work to make the story fit. He also sounded calm and official.
Gail said there were “no accents involved” and that the call sounded “totally legit.” When I asked her if it was a legitimate call, Gail’s answer was direct. “Not at all,” she said. Still, in the moment, the pressure worked. “Something seemed a little weird, I think, but I just kept going because I was frightened,” Gail said. That is the part scammers count on. They want you scared enough to act before you think.
The caller told Gail she needed to pay $9,260. He called it a payment through a “federal bonding kiosk.” That phrase sounds official. But it was really a Bitcoin machine inside a Circle K. Gail said she did not know much about Bitcoin. Her son did, but the scammer told her not to call anyone. “They said you cannot get off the phone with us,” Gail said. “You must stay on the phone the whole time.”
The caller claimed they needed to make sure she did not “skip town.” He also told her not to tell the bank why she needed the cash. That is one of the biggest red flags in this entire story. Gail withdrew the money. Then she went to the crypto kiosk. The scammer sent her an official-looking barcode that appeared to come from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
She scanned it and fed the cash into the machine. “We had to do it, like, five different times because there was a limit to how much you could put in at once,” Gail said. “I was getting very tired. I was so tired.” By the end, Gail had deposited $9,260. “And that was money that I had worked for,” Gail said. “I went back to work to help pay for my son’s medical bills.”
After Gail sent the money, the scammer told her to go to the sheriff’s department. Then he suddenly claimed there was another problem. This time, he said Gail had a federal citation. He wanted another $12,000. Gail said she did not have that much money. So the scammer lowered the demand to $3,000 and sent her to another bank. That second bank visit saved her from losing more.
The bank manager asked what the money was for. Gail gave the excuse that the scammer had told her to use. Then the manager asked whether she planned to give the money to her son that day. That question broke through the fear. Gail said no. The manager took her aside and talked with her. He knew something was wrong.
After Gail realized what had happened, she went home and told her husband and son. She also contacted a local news reporter. That is how Gail learned about Arizona’s Cryptocurrency Kiosk License Fraud Prevention law. “It went into effect a month before my scam,” Gail said. “And what it does is it protects people like myself who have been scammed to get all of their money back.”
Arizona’s law requires crypto kiosk operators to provide fraud warnings, transaction receipts, daily limits and refund protections for certain victims who report fraud within the required time window. The Arizona Corporation Commission says the law took effect Sept. 26, 2025. Gail moved fast. “You have to file a police report within 30 days,” she said. “And you have to contact the cryptocurrency kiosk, Bitcoin Machine Company. I also made a report to the attorney general.” After she completed the steps, Gail got her money back by check. “It was a good birthday present,” she said.
Crypto ATM scams have become a major problem. AARP reports that cryptocurrency kiosks were used in scams tied to more than $389 million in reported losses in 2025. Adults 60 and older accounted for 86% of reported losses in cases where the victim’s age was known. AARP also reports that 29 states had passed crypto kiosk laws as of April 2026. These laws can include transaction limits, fraud warning signs, licensing rules and receipt requirements. Indiana became the first state to enact a statewide ban. Tennessee later became the second state to enact a ban.
States publicly identified in AARP reporting and related coverage as having enacted crypto ATM protections, restrictions, or bans include: California, Connecticut, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Some states regulate the machines instead of banning them. Others limit daily deposits, require warning signs or force operators to help refund fraud victims. California and Connecticut were among the first states to pass crypto ATM laws in 2023. Vermont extended a moratorium on new crypto kiosks to July 1, 2026. Nebraska passed statewide legislation in 2025. Iowa passed a crypto kiosk consumer protection law in 2025.
THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE DOING WRONG WHEN SCAMMERS CALL
This scam had several warning signs. Knowing them can help you stop the same trick before it drains your account.
Real courts do not demand instant payment over the phone to make an arrest warrant disappear.
Scammers do this so you cannot call family, police or the real court.
A real law enforcement officer will not tell you to lie about why you need cash.
Courts, sheriff’s offices and government agencies do not collect fines through Bitcoin ATMs.
Scammers often use public information to make the lie feel real.
They want you scared, tired and rushed.
Here are the warning signs to watch for and the simple steps that can help you avoid falling for a jury duty scam.
Hang up if someone says you will be arrested unless you pay immediately. Then call the court directly using a number from an official government website. Do not use the phone number left in the voicemail. Also, avoid links sent by text or email. Scammers can spoof phone numbers, copy official names and build fake websites that look convincing. Use strong antivirus software, to help block malicious links, fake websites and phishing messages before they trick you into handing over personal information. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
A real court will not demand payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps. That means any request to visit a Bitcoin machine should stop the conversation. The same goes for a caller who says the machine is a “bonding kiosk” or “federal kiosk.” Those phrases are meant to make the scam sound official.
Call a spouse, an adult child, a friend, an attorney or a local court clerk before withdrawing money. A quick conversation can break the scammer’s hold. Scammers often tell victims to stay on the phone to maintain control. They do not want you to hear a calm second opinion. If a caller says you cannot hang up, hang up anyway.
Ask your bank for help if you feel rushed, scared or confused. Tell the teller or bank manager exactly what the caller said. Do not use the cover story the scammer gave you. Gail was told to say the money was for her son. That kind of instruction is a major red flag. A real law enforcement officer will not tell you to lie to your bank.
Look up your jury duty status through your county court website. You can also call the clerk’s office directly. Do not click a link sent by the caller. Some jury duty scammers now use fake websites to collect personal information and steal money.
Scammers may know your name, job, address or family details. That does not make the call legitimate. Much of that information can come from public records, data broker sites or past data breaches. If a caller uses personal details to scare you, pause before you react.
Consider using a data removal service to reduce the personal information scammers can find about you online. These services can help remove your name, address, phone number and other details from many people-search and data broker sites. This will not erase everything from the internet. However, it can make it harder for scammers to build a convincing story around your life, job or family. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
HOW SCAMMERS BUILD A PROFILE ON YOU USING DATA BROKERS
If you already sent money through a crypto kiosk, speed matters. Acting quickly can help you document the fraud, secure your accounts and possibly qualify for protections in your state.
Move quickly if you have already sent money through a crypto kiosk. Time can matter, especially in states with refund protections. Some state crypto ATM laws require victims to report the fraud within a set window. In Gail’s case, Arizona’s law required fast action, including a police report and contact with the kiosk operator.
Start with a police report. Ask for a copy or report number. You may need that report when you contact the crypto kiosk company, your bank, your state attorney general or any consumer protection agency.
Check the receipt or the machine for the crypto kiosk operator’s contact information. Then report the fraud directly to the company. Share the transaction details, time, location, barcode or wallet address if you have it. Also, provide the police report number.
Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Also, file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. These reports help federal agencies track scam patterns. They may also create a record you can use when dealing with the kiosk operator or state officials.
Report the scam to your state attorney general’s office. This step can be especially important if your state has crypto kiosk protections or refund rules. Your state may also track complaints tied to specific kiosk operators. That can help investigators spot larger scam patterns.
Keep the receipt, barcode, phone number, voicemail, text messages and any names the caller used. Also, write down the address of the kiosk and the time of each transaction. Do not delete anything, even if it feels embarrassing. Those details may help law enforcement, the kiosk operator or your state consumer protection office review the case.
Contact your bank after the scam. Even if the crypto payment cannot be reversed, the bank can help protect your accounts. Ask about new debit cards, password changes, account alerts and extra verification steps. Also, review recent transactions for anything suspicious.
Gail’s story shows how fast a normal day can turn into a financial emergency. One fake sheriff’s call, one believable legal threat and one Bitcoin machine almost cost her nearly $10,000 for good. The most important lesson is simple. Fear is the scammer’s favorite tool. They want you rushed, isolated and too embarrassed to ask for help. Gail got her money back because Arizona had a new law, and she acted fast. Many victims never recover a dime. That is why these crypto kiosk laws matter. They give people a fighting chance after scammers use technology to make cash vanish. If someone calls and says you missed jury duty, pause before you panic. Real courts do not solve legal problems through a Bitcoin ATM at a convenience store. To hear more of Gail’s story, check out the CyberGuy Report podcast at cyberguy.com/podcast
Should crypto ATMs be allowed in convenience stores if scammers keep using them to drain people’s savings? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Tucker Carlson Officially Makes Shock Announcement — He’s Out
A growing divide within the conservative movement is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, as longtime commentator Tucker Carlson declared that he no longer considers himself a Republican, citing frustration with what he sees as the party’s abandonment of its America First roots.
Carlson made the remarks during a podcast appearance with hosts Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong, where the discussion turned to the political landscape ahead of the upcoming midterm elections and whether voters remain satisfied with the direction of the Republican Party.
While Carlson made clear that he remains aligned with many conservative principles, he argued that some Republican leaders have drifted away from the priorities that helped fuel President Donald Trump’s rise and transformed the GOP into the dominant force it is today.
“I’m out,” Carlson said during the interview.
“And if I’m out, then I think a lot of other people are out.”
Carlson’s comments came as he discussed polling data and voter sentiment ahead of the next election cycle.
“I would not support the Republican party. There’s no chance I would support the Republican party,” he said.
The former Fox News host argued that certain Republican lawmakers had betrayed their voters by supporting policies he believes put foreign interests ahead of American priorities.
“How could I or any American voter support a political party that’s not loyal to the United States? That puts the interests of a foreign country above those of its own citizens?
“It’s not possible to vote for people like that, and I’m not going to.”
Carlson’s remarks highlight a growing debate inside conservative circles over the future direction of the Republican Party.
At the center of the disagreement is not President Trump himself, but rather how some Republicans have approached foreign policy, military intervention, and America’s role overseas.
Trump built his political movement on the promise of putting American interests first, securing the border, rebuilding the economy, restoring energy independence, and avoiding the endless foreign conflicts that frustrated many voters for decades.
Many of Trump’s supporters continue to view the America First agenda as one of the defining achievements of his political movement.
Carlson suggested that some Republicans have lost sight of those principles.
“I think I’ve voted Republican my entire life,” Carlson said.
“I’ve been a consistent defender for 35 years, of the Republican party. I mean, a very consistent defender.”
“But there’s no defending this because it’s immoral and it’s exactly the opposite of what a political party in a democracy is charged with doing — which is representing its own voters, its own citizens, its own nation.”
“And they’re not doing that,” Carlson concluded.
The comments come amid an ongoing debate among conservatives regarding foreign policy, particularly following recent tensions involving Iran and the broader Middle East.
Carlson has been one of the most vocal advocates of a non-interventionist approach that emphasizes American interests above foreign entanglements. Other conservatives, including commentators and lawmakers aligned with a more traditional hawkish worldview, have argued that a strong American presence abroad remains necessary to protect national security.
The disagreement intensified after military operations involving Iran earlier this year, with Carlson and several other prominent voices warning against policies they believe could lead to deeper involvement in overseas conflicts.
Despite those disagreements, Carlson has generally continued to support many of Trump’s domestic policies, including border security, immigration enforcement, energy production, and efforts to prioritize American workers and taxpayers.
The broader divide illustrates the ongoing evolution of the Republican Party under Trump’s influence.
For decades, the GOP was largely defined by traditional establishment conservatives who favored aggressive foreign policy and intervention abroad. Trump’s rise fundamentally reshaped that coalition, bringing millions of working-class voters, independents, and populist conservatives into the party.
Today, debates like the one Carlson has raised reflect a larger question facing Republicans: how closely the party will adhere to the America First principles that helped fuel Trump’s political success.
Whether Carlson ultimately returns to the Republican fold remains to be seen. But his comments underscore a reality that many political observers have noted in recent years: the future of the conservative movement is increasingly being shaped by debates over foreign policy, national sovereignty, and what it truly means to put America first.
As those discussions continue, one thing remains clear: the America First movement that transformed Republican politics is still driving much of the conversation inside the conservative movement today.
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Top Fox News Host Suffers Deranged Meltdown On LIVE TV — Doesn’t End Well…
A growing divide within the conservative movement spilled into public view this weekend as Fox News host Mark Levin launched a blistering attack on President Donald Trump’s Iran strategy, accusing the administration of pressuring Israel while pursuing a diplomatic agreement designed to permanently prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The dispute comes as the Trump administration continues negotiations with Tehran following a series of devastating military strikes that crippled Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, eliminated key regime leaders, and left the Islamic Republic in one of the weakest positions it has faced in decades.
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have argued that the administration is negotiating from a position of overwhelming strength after demonstrating a willingness to use military force when necessary. Their goal, they say, is simple: ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon while avoiding another endless war in the Middle East.
Levin, however, remains deeply skeptical.
During a fiery monologue that lasted more than 17 minutes on Saturday, the longtime conservative commentator accused members of the administration of unfairly targeting Israel while becoming too optimistic about Iran’s intentions.
“I want to say to people in and out of the administration: stop trashing, smearing, bullying the little state of Israel. Stop cozying up to and telling us that the enemy regime in Iran is now more rational, more moderate, and a regime that we can deal with,” Levin demanded. “When just a few months ago they slaughtered 50,000 people, they’re still hanging young people today and, if they had a nuclear missile today, they’d fire it into our country as sure as I’m alive.”
Levin also rejected any suggestion that Israel should allow outside governments to dictate its security decisions.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but if people think they can bully a little country, Israel — a people that have existed 4,000 years through the Babylonians and the Persians, through the Romans and the Third Reich — into surrendering their defense and their decision on how to secure their country, they get another thing coming,” Levin continued. “I think it’s outrageous.”
The criticism did not stop there.
Levin also used social media to question several administration policies, including reports surrounding a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar and modified for use supporting presidential airlift operations.
“If it’s legal and other countries do it so be it. Do you think wealthy countries should be able to lavish gifts on our government?” Levin wrote.
His sharpest criticism, however, focused on the administration’s efforts to secure a broader peace agreement with Iran and its proxies.
“Item #1 in the MOU provides there’s an immediate and permanent end to the war and that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran is Hezbollah,” Levin posted. “What’s the enforcement mechanism? Nothing. Israel defends itself after constant attacks from Hezbollah and is admonished for it. Its interests are not aligned with ours, we’re told. It’s endangering the peace deal. This is beyond nuts.”
In another post, Levin argued that current ceasefire efforts were coming at Israel’s expense.
“Apparently as long as Israeli soldiers are killed the ceasefire is holding,” Levin claimed.
The administration has strongly rejected suggestions that it is abandoning Israel or weakening its support for America’s closest ally in the Middle East.
President Trump responded directly Sunday with a warning aimed squarely at Iran and its regional proxies.
“Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
For supporters of the administration, that message demonstrates exactly why they remain confident in Trump’s approach. They argue that no modern president has shown a greater willingness to confront Iran militarily while simultaneously seeking a diplomatic resolution that serves American interests.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both emphasized that any final agreement would require Iran to permanently abandon its nuclear ambitions, submit to extensive inspections, and comply with strict verification requirements before receiving any economic benefits.
Administration officials also note that no sanctions have been lifted, no frozen assets have been released, and no direct payments have been authorized.
Instead, they argue that Trump has successfully put Iran in a position where the regime must choose between compliance and continued isolation.
The disagreement highlights a broader debate that has been developing inside the Republican Party for years.
Traditional foreign-policy hawks often favor maintaining maximum military pressure and remain deeply skeptical of negotiations with hostile regimes.
Trump’s America First coalition generally supports overwhelming military strength but prefers leveraging that strength into favorable deals that avoid long-term military entanglements.
Supporters of the president argue that Trump’s strategy reflects the same formula that has defined much of his foreign policy: peace through strength.
Strike hard when necessary. Demonstrate unquestionable resolve. Negotiate from a position of power. And avoid the costly nation-building efforts and endless conflicts that frustrated many Americans for decades.
As negotiations continue, the debate between Levin and the Trump administration reflects a larger question facing conservatives: how best to secure American interests abroad while staying true to the America First principles that have reshaped the Republican Party.
For now, President Trump appears committed to proving that military strength and diplomacy are not opposing strategies—but complementary tools for achieving lasting peace and protecting America’s national security.
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It’s Over! The House Votes 396-13 — Trump Just Won!
In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act this week, advancing a package of reforms designed to tackle America’s housing affordability crisis while delivering on several key priorities championed by President Donald Trump.
The legislation passed by a decisive 396-13 vote, reflecting broad agreement that soaring housing costs, rising rents, and limited inventory have pushed homeownership out of reach for millions of Americans.
Supporters say the bill addresses one of the country’s most pressing economic challenges by cutting red tape, increasing housing supply, strengthening lending opportunities, and helping ensure that American families—not large corporations—have a fair shot at buying homes.
The legislation combines elements of previous House and Senate proposals and seeks to address housing shortages that have contributed to record-high home prices in many parts of the country.
House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill praised the measure as a practical, results-oriented solution focused on expanding opportunities for working Americans.
“This bill prioritizes American families by expanding homeownership, enhancing affordability, reducing burdensome regulations that drive up costs, and increasing housing supply nationwide,” Chairman Hill stated.
“Importantly, it delivers on President Trump’s call to limit institutional investors from competing with the American people as they seek to purchase a home,” Hill added.
The legislation includes a variety of reforms aimed at accelerating housing construction and reducing barriers that have slowed development for years.
Among its key provisions, the bill streamlines federal permitting requirements, reduces lengthy environmental review processes for certain redevelopment and infill housing projects, and encourages innovative housing solutions such as modular and manufactured homes.
The measure also provides grants to local governments willing to modernize zoning laws and remove restrictions that limit new construction.
Supporters argue that restrictive zoning policies, excessive permitting delays, and government bureaucracy have significantly contributed to America’s housing shortage.
Rather than relying on massive new federal spending programs, the legislation focuses on empowering local communities, encouraging private-sector investment, and removing obstacles that make housing more expensive.
The bill also raises loan limits for multifamily housing developments, creating incentives for apartment construction and expanding options for renters and first-time buyers alike.
Additional provisions strengthen rural housing initiatives, expand support for veterans seeking housing, modernize financing for smaller mortgage loans, and increase the role community banks can play in local lending markets.
Community banks have long argued that excessive regulations have made it more difficult for them to serve homebuyers and construction projects in their local communities.
Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters acknowledged the seriousness of the housing crisis despite broader political disagreements.
“America is in the middle of a full-blown affordable housing and homelessness crisis, and working families are burdened by skyrocketing rents and a housing market that is pushing homeownership further out of reach,” Waters said.
One of the most notable aspects of the legislation is its effort to curb the growing influence of large institutional investors in the housing market.
For years, investment firms and corporate landlords have purchased thousands of single-family homes, often outbidding families and first-time homebuyers. Critics argue that this trend has driven up prices while transforming communities into rental markets dominated by large corporations.
The legislation includes targeted restrictions designed to discourage large institutional investors from acquiring additional single-family homes.
That approach aligns closely with President Trump’s housing agenda.
Throughout his second administration, Trump has repeatedly argued that homeownership should remain a cornerstone of the American Dream and that government policies should prioritize families over Wall Street investors.
In his National Homeownership Month proclamation earlier this month, Trump emphasized the importance of restoring affordability and expanding opportunities for future homeowners.
“During National Homeownership Month, my Administration recommits to making housing more affordable so that young Americans and hardworking families can raise children, build memories, and create a future in a home of their own,” Trump said.
The president has frequently blamed the housing crisis on “reckless spending, burdensome regulations, and failed housing policies” implemented under previous administrations, as well as “mass illegal immigration and large institutional investors” that have increased pressure on housing supply.
Trump has also taken executive actions aimed at reducing institutional ownership of single-family homes, lowering mortgage costs, and strengthening federal housing programs.
“Under my leadership, America will be a Nation where homes belong to families — not corporations,” Trump said.
At the same time, Trump has emphasized the importance of protecting the value of homes already owned by millions of Americans.
“I don’t want to drive housing prices down. I want to drive housing prices up for people that own their homes. Existing housing, people who own their homes, we’re going to keep them wealthy. We’re going to keep those prices up. We’re not going to destroy the value of their homes so that somebody that didn’t work very hard can buy a home,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting earlier this year.
He has also repeatedly summarized his housing philosophy with a simple message:
“Homes are built for people, not for corporations, and America will not become a nation of renters.”
With overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and growing concern over affordability nationwide, supporters hope the legislation will mark a significant step toward restoring homeownership opportunities and ensuring that the American Dream remains within reach for future generations.
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