OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Scammers are now posting fake social media ads in an attempt to discredit warning stickers placed on Bitcoin ATM machines across the Omaha metro, according to Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson.

The stickers were required under an Omaha city ordinance that followed a series of investigations into scams in which victims received phony threats of arrest and were directed to send money through Bitcoin kiosks.

Couple nearly lost $5,000 to scammers

Last fall, Joyce and Jimmy Gamble received a call from someone posing as a police officer.

“I was scared because they were going to put Jimmy in jail if we didn’t come up with this money because they had not one but two warrants,” Joyce Gamble said.

The couple nearly sent $5,000 through a Bitcoin ATM before a good Samaritan intervened. Their experience helped lead to the Omaha city ordinance requiring scam warning stickers on the machines.

Scammers post fake ad claiming kiosks are legitimate

Since the warning stickers were posted, scammers have responded by circulating a social media ad claiming a “bailing kiosk” is a legitimate location for citizens and offenders to make restitution. The post features someone appearing to be a police officer to add credibility.

Sheriff Hanson said the post is the work of scammers.

“They are trying to say in this message that this is a legitimate location to conduct government transactions and it’s not. So this is their desperate effort to try to build confidence in people being swindled at these kiosks,” Hanson said.

Hanson also pointed out that the officer depicted in the post is not what he appears to be.

“The badge is distorted and there’s not even sergeant chevrons on here at all,” Hanson said.

‘Grandma Posse’ volunteers worked to place the stickers

The Douglas County Sheriff’s group of senior volunteers, known as the Grandma Posse, visited numerous metro area stores to confirm the warning stickers were placed on Bitcoin machines.

“What is a warning to not do and they’re making it look like it’s OK. Like we were wrong and they’re right,” said Grandma Posse member Kathy Mentzer.

Fellow member Sherry Wright said the stickers appear to be having an effect — which is why scammers are pushing back.

“The warning signs that were put on the ATMs are maybe making people think, so that takes profit away from the scammers,” Wright said.

Gambles urge others to slow down

After being shown the social media post, Jimmy Gamble urged others not to panic if they receive a similar call.

“Slow down and see what they actually said, not what you think they said, because you are so confused and I don’t want to go to jail,” Gamble said.

What to do if you receive a phony arrest threat call

Scammers often clone real police agency phone numbers. If you receive a call threatening arrest unless you send money to pay a fine, hang up. Look up the phone number for your local law enforcement agency independently and call that number to report the scam attempt.

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