Texas sheriff cuts open Bitcoin ATM after $25K scam, sparking crypto debate

A sheriff in Jasper County, Texas, used a cutting tool to open a Bitcoin ATM after a local family was scammed out of $25,000 by a caller impersonating a government official. Police retrieved around $32,000 from the machine, which was operated by Bitcoin Depot.

The move sparked criticism from crypto users, with some calling it property damage against an innocent third party. However, the sheriff defended the action, citing the need to protect citizens.

The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of crypto ATMs across the U.S. due to rising scam activity.